Environment
SUSTAINABLE Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADeV Nigeria) has urged stronger funding and political commitment to implement the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.
The organisation made the call at the 48th Open-ended Working Group meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, ahead of the amendment’s 10th anniversary later this year.
The appeal is contained in a statement signed by SRADeV Executive Director, Dr Leslie Adogame, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday.
SRADeV said the meeting offered governments an opportunity to review the Montreal Protocol’s achievements and address implementation challenges facing developing countries.
It said the anniversary should renew global commitment to tackling climate change through accelerated implementation of agreed obligations.
The organisation urged Parties to replenish the Multilateral Fund and strengthen institutional support, particularly for Article 5 countries, including Nigeria, facing rising cooling demands.
It quoted the Director and National Ozone Officer, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mr Idris Abdullahi, as stressing the importance of an adequately funded Multilateral Fund.
Abdullahi said sustained financial support remained essential for developing countries to meet Montreal Protocol obligations while delivering climate and ozone protection benefits.
SRADeV described the Montreal Protocol as one of the world’s most successful environmental agreements since its adoption in 1987 and entry into force in 1989.
It said the 2016 Kigali Amendment expanded the treaty by targeting hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases that significantly contribute to global warming.
According to SRADeV, economic uncertainty, energy market volatility, fiscal constraints and worsening climate impacts are complicating implementation for Article 5 countries.
It noted that many developing countries were completing hydrochlorofluorocarbons phase-out while preparing for the first HFC phase-down within three years.
SRADeV described Nigeria as one of Africa’s leading Kigali Amendment implementing countries through regulatory reforms, capacity building and market transformation initiatives.
It said the Federal Ministry of Environment coordinates the initiatives with support from international partners.
The organisation said Nigeria’s progress reflected its commitment to climate action and ozone layer protection.
Adogame said predictable financing and sustained international cooperation remained critical to reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency and transforming cooling markets.
He said adequate funding would strengthen institutions, modernise refrigeration servicing and promote sustainable cooling solutions.
Adogame said the outcome of the Bangkok meeting would shape Nigeria’s implementation of its Kigali Amendment obligations.
He said Nigeria was strengthening HFC licensing and quota systems while promoting climate-friendly refrigerants and expanding technician training.
According to him, Nigeria is also improving refrigerant recovery, recycling and energy efficiency while integrating sustainable cooling into national climate policies.
Policy and Technical Manager of SRADeV, Mr Jeremiah Ato, said Nigeria had demonstrated commitment through policy reforms and institutional actions.
Ato said stronger ambition must be matched with adequate resources to sustain implementation.
SRADeV also expressed concern over continued importation of obsolete and energy-inefficient refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment into developing countries.
It said the practice undermined Kigali Amendment objectives by prolonging use of inefficient technologies with high-global warming refrigerants.
The organisation called for stronger collaboration to curb illegal trade, improve customs intelligence and strengthen regulatory frameworks.
It also urged the African Group of Negotiators to maintain a common position during the Bangkok negotiations to protect Africa’s interests and promote climate-friendly cooling transitions. (NAN)
F.O
Tags: Funding for Kigali Amendment SRADev Nigeria