April 12, 2024/CSL Research
Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for the Federal Ministry of Environment, recently announced that Nigeria has initiated the implementation of its Hydrochlorofluorocarbons Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) project. The goal is to eliminate the country’s 2010 baseline consumption of 344.9 tonnes of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) by 2040. HCFCs are chemical compounds that contain hydrogen, chlorine, fluorine, and carbon atoms which contribute to ozone depletion.
The project is being executed in stages. Nigeria has already completed stages 1 and 2 under the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) component of the project. Additionally, the Multilateral Fund of the Montreal Protocol has approved stage 3, which is currently underway.
The Minister noted that stage one of the HPMP project achieved a 10% reduction in the use of HCFC and was successfully implemented from 2010 – 2018. Stage 2 was completed during 2019 – 2023 and achieved a target phase out of about 51%. Stage 3 focuses on converting eligible companies in the refrigeration and air conditioning manufacturing sector from using HCFCs to ozone-friendly and low global warming potential alternatives such as Hydrocarbons to help Nigeria meet its target of 67.5% reduction in the HCFC baseline consumption by 2025. According to the Minister, developing countries, including Nigeria, agreed to start their phase-out process in 2013 and are now following a stepwise reduction until complete phase-out by 2040.
The Montreal protocol is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances that are responsible for ozone depletion. The protocol regulates the production and consumption of 100 man – made chemicals referred to as ozone depleting substances (ODS). ODS are used in refrigeration, foam extrusion, industrial cleaning, fire extinguishing and fumigation. The protocol was agreed on 16 September 1987 but came into force on 01 January 1989 and the Multilateral Fund was established in 1990 and operates under the guidance of the parties to the Montreal Protocol.
Its primary objective is to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries to help them transition to ozone-friendly alternatives and technologies, thereby enabling them to meet their obligations under the Protocol.
The fund is financed by industrialised countries and its activities are implemented by UNEP, UNDP, UNIDO and the World Bank. Overall, converting to ozone-friendly and low global warming potential alternatives benefits both the environment and the companies involved, contributing to a more sustainable and responsible business ecosystem. Many ozone-friendly alternatives, including hydrocarbons, are more energy-efficient compared to HCFCs. This can result in lower energy consumption and operational costs for companies, leading to financial savings in the long term.
As awareness of environmental issues grows and regulations become stricter, there is increasing demand for products and technologies that are environmentally friendly. Companies that transition to ozone-friendly alternatives position themselves to capitalize on these market opportunities and gain a competitive advantage.
