Chuks Oyema-Aziken
An Action Plan (N-CAP), to promote sustainable and affordable access to cooling system has been unveiled by the federal government.
The Nigeria Cooling Action Plan, N-CAP is the pathway for the country’s transition to low Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Energy Efficient (EE) technologies, which provide the needed strategies for sustainable cooling the ozone layer.
Unveiling the N-CAP as part of activities in commemoration of World Ozone Day (WOD) in Abuja,
Minister of Environment, Mr Mohammed Abdullahi, said the objective of N-CAP was to deliver the global environment agenda.
“I will use the opportunity of this Day, to unveil the N-CAP document and showcase it to our stakeholders present, as we celebrate this year’s World Ozone Day, the Ministry will continue to engage and partner with relevant stakeholders in our efforts to protect the Ozone Layer and Climate and also contribute to global efforts to safeguard all life on earth.” He said.
He noted that the importance of cooling of the Ozone layer cannot be overemphasized as it is critical for general wellbeing, environment and agriculture.
Abdullahi represented by Mr Charles Ikea, Director, Pollution and Environmental Health of the ministry said that the WOD is an annual event that commemorates the date of the signing of the Montreal Protocol (MP) on substances that deplete the Ozone layer in 1987.
He noted that the importance of cooling of the Ozone layer cannot be overemphasized as it is critical for general wellbeing, environment and agriculture.
The Minister further said that this would also enable thermal comfort of societies at high temperatures which is required for industrial production and preservation of food, medicine and vaccines.
“For over three decades, my Ministry in collaboration with UNDP, UNIDO, GIZ, World Bank & UNEP as the Implementing Agencies, has been implementing the Montreal Protocol’s Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) phase out programme in Nigeria. In line with the Protocol’s ODS phase-out schedule, we have assisted over 700 Large, Small & Medium Scale enterprises in the Foam, Refrigeration & Air conditioning, Aerosols, Fire protection & Solvent Sectors to convert to Ozone friendly substances & Technologies. our country ratified the Kigali Amendment in 2018 and it came in to force in 2019. The implementation of the Amendment will provide us an unprecedented opportunity to adapt ozone and climate-friendly technologies as well as to improve energy efficiency in the cooling sector.” The Minister explained.
He also noted that an implementation plan was developed and agreed by stakeholders to ensure the operationalisation of the N-CAP.
“The Plan includes the strategies to be adopted, activities or actions to ensure the success of these strategies, the responsible parties and timeline. A major strategy of the N-CAP that will support the transformation of the market of in-efficient cooling appliances to more efficient ones is the Rebate Scheme, where a large number of energy efficient cooling appliances need to be procured and exchanged with obsolete and in-efficient ones at a subsidized price.” He stated.
He further said that the N-CAP will play a key role in the efficient preservation of food, thereby preventing food losses and spoilage, through a sustainable and efficient cold chain infrastructure.
“where food will be transported from the farms to retail outlets at a favourable temperature that will prevent food spoilage. This will hopefully reduce contact between farmers and herders and prevent their incessant clashes.” The Minister added.
He said the Montreal Protocol has continued to provide a platform for more than 198 countries to work together to phase out Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS), so as to protect the Ozone layer.
Abdullahi said that the protocol was the most successful environmental agreement to date, with universal ratification.
The minister said that the theme for the 2022 WOD is “Montreal Protocol at 35: Global Cooperation Protecting life on Earth”.
Abdullahi said that the theme highlighted the protocol’s positive impact on the Ozone layer.
He explained that Nigeria signed the Protocol in 1988 and subsequently ratified all its related amendments, to further protect the climate.
Abdullahi said the ministry, with United Nations Development (UNDP), United Nations Industrialisation Development Organisation (UNIDO), had been implementing the MPs/ODS phase – out programme in Nigeria.
According to him, in order to ensure the operationalisation of the N-CAP being unveiled, an implementation plan is developed and agreed by stakeholders.
“The Plan includes the strategies to be adopted, activities or actions to ensure the success of these strategies, the responsible parties and timeline.
“A major strategy of the N-CAP that will support the transformation of the market of inefficient cooling appliances to more efficient ones, is the rebate scheme.
“This is where a large number of energy efficient cooling appliances need to be procured and exchanged with obsolete and inefficient ones at a subsidised price,’’ Abdullahi said.
The minister said that the scheme would require adequate funding, urging financial institutions to co-operate and support the ministry.
He said cooperation of banks would also be needed in the procurement of efficient air conditioners that met the level of the air condition of the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS).
“This is recommended in the N-CAP or even higher. These efficient air conditioners can be installed in bank`s ATM rooms and other spaces within the banking hall,’’ Abdullahi said.
He called on other development partners to support the government in the implementation of the N-CAP by providing additional funding for the rebate scheme.
“In the hospitality sector, we also seek the co-operation of hotels to procure efficient cooling appliances, within the level of the MEPS recommended in the N-CAP.
“As for the agricultural sector, the N-CAP will play a key role in the efficient preservation of food, thereby, preventing food losses/spoilage, through a sustainable and efficient cold chain infrastructure.
“In this, food will be transported from the farms to retail outlets at a favourable temperature that will prevent food spoilage.
“This will hopefully reduce contact between farmers and herders and prevent their incessant clashes,’’ Abdullahi said.
The Regional Director, UNIDO, Mr Jean Bakole, said that 2022 marked the 35th year of signing the Montreal Protocol on substances that depleted the Ozone layer.
Bakole, who was represented by Dr Osuji Otu, National Programme Officer, UNIDO, said that the world achieved industrial success by discovering and manufacturing cooling gases, aerosols for firefighting.
He said that the manufacturing of the items had created problems for the environment.
Bakole assured that the UNIDO would continue its commitment toward supporting the government to promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation development.
