LAGOS, September 15, 2016 – The United Nations Industrial Development Organization’s (UNIDO) effort in helping Nigeria phase out Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) under the Montreal Protocol was commended by a Government official.

Nigeria’s Federal Minister of Environment, Amina Mohammed, said: “The Government of Nigeria acknowledges with thanks the good work and efforts demonstrated by UNIDO in implementing the Montreal Protocol programmes and projects which aim to phase out the production and consumption of ODS in Nigeria”. Her message was delivered by Lauren Braide, Director of Human Resources at the Federal Ministry.

Braide was attending a workshop for a project which aims to phase out Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in the refrigeration and air-conditioning manufacturing sector in Lagos.

Braide said that the distribution of 75 low-pressure foaming machines to selected operators by UNIDO in the first phase of the project has helped Nigeria phase out 35 per cent of HCFCs consumption in this sector.

The project was developed by UNIDO, the Federal Ministry of Environment, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It aims to phase out HCFCs in Nigeria by 2040 as part of the country’s obligation as a developing country under the Montreal Protocol, which was ratified on 16 September 1987 and entered into force on 1 January 1989.

Chuma Ezedinma, Officer in Charge of UNIDO’s Regional Office in Nigeria, reaffirmed the Organization’s support and partnership geared towards a safe and sustainable environment in Nigeria.

UNIDO supports developing countries and economies in transition in their environmental management efforts, including the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements. As an implementing agency for the Montreal Protocol since 1992, UNIDO has successfully implemented over 1,200 projects in more than 98 countries and contributed to the phase-out of over 70,000 tons of ODS globally. 

For more information, please contact:

Chuma Ezedinma
Officer in Charge, UNIDO Regional Office in Nigeria
email