The Federal Government is actively addressing ozone layer depletion by prioritizing the adoption of green, energy-efficient, and low-Global Warming Potential (GWP) cooling systems.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, stated this in Abuja on Tuesday at a two-day Capacity Building Workshop on Green Procurement for Sustainable Cooling Systems in Nigeria.
Represented by Mr Idris Abdullahi, Director of the National Ozone Office, the minister explained that green procurement involves purchasing products and services with reduced environmental impact throughout their life cycle compared to conventional alternatives.
“Cooling is no longer a luxury. It is a critical enabler of productivity, public health, food security, and economic growth. From hospitals and laboratories to offices, schools, and food preservation systems, cooling underpins essential services,” Lawal said.
He noted that refrigeration and air-conditioning systems currently account for 40–60 per cent of electricity consumption in many buildings.
“Unfortunately, much of this demand is still met with inefficient equipment that consumes excessive power and uses refrigerants that contribute to ozone depletion and climate change,” he added.
The workshop is organised by Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev) Nigeria in partnership with the National Ozone Office of the Federal Ministry of Environment, under the project “Promote Fast Action to Reduce Emissions of Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (F-Gases) and Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS) in Nigeria.”
The minister highlighted that many developing countries, including Nigeria, are navigating a crucial transition away from ozone-depleting substances, halons, and fluorinated greenhouse gases toward sustainable, climate-friendly alternatives in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sector.
“The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol provides a global framework to phase down hydrofluorocarbons, delivering both environmental and economic benefits. The Montreal Protocol, which Nigeria has ratified, remains the world’s most successful environmental treaty,” Lawal said.
“Implementing this commitment requires not only policy reforms but also the integration of green procurement principles into public-sector decision-making,” he emphasised.
Lawal described green procurement as a powerful tool that supports energy conservation, environmental protection, and Nigeria’s commitments under international climate agreements, including its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
Mr Tom Nickson, representing the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) UK, stated that the choices governments make to support sustainable cooling technologies will shape their environmental legacy for decades.
“Sustainable cooling is a cornerstone of climate action, and public procurement has immense power to drive the transition to climate-friendly, energy-efficient cooling solutions. By prioritising green procurement, we can reduce energy consumption, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and set a powerful example for markets and communities worldwide,” Nickson explained.
Dr Leslie Adogame, Executive Director of SRADev Nigeria, stressed the need to build strong national awareness and capacity for green procurement among policymakers.
He added that it is essential to explore opportunities for policy reforms and support the integration of sustainable cooling systems into Nigeria’s broader climate action strategies.
Mr Gerald Njume, Regional Principal Climate Change and Green Growth Officer at the African Development Bank, affirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in this drive.
Mr Yusuf Kilani, Special Adviser to the President on Climate Matters, said the workshop was timely and noted that the Office of the President is also pursuing efforts to achieve zero environmental degradation across all sectors in line with the goal of environmental sustainability.
