Samuel Bello, Abuja
The Federal Government has vented its intention to phase out 65 percent of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) usage in five years.
Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Jibril, stated this at the 2018 International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer and launch of publication on the implementation of Montreal protocol’s ODS phase out programme, on Thursday, in Abuja.
Jibril said the Executive Committee of the multilateral fund recently approved a ‘stage two’ Hydrochlorofluorocarbons Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) project that focuses on development of standards and codes of practice including certification of relevant facilities and installations that handle or use hydrocarbons.
He added that the implementation of the project “will not only facilitate the promotion of the use of low Global Warming Potential Technologies in the Nigerian economy, but will also encourage the inclusion of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and strengthen collaboration with the government.
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“The implementation of the stage two of the HPMP would also be focused on certification and restrictions on non-certified practioners in the handling and use of hydrocarbon refrigerants, establishment of centres of excellence and capacity building of existing institutions and facilities to facilitate training and certification of refrigeration and air conditioning service engineers and technicians among other activities.
Also speaking, Country Representative of World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Wondimagegnehu Alemu, represented by National Consultant, Public Health and Environment, Edwin Edeh, urged governments at all levels, industries, the academia, media, civil society organizations and the general public to take shared commitments to halt the production, promotion and utilization of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) in all forms, compositions and processes in order to achieve an eco-friendly environment and a healthy population.
He said, “We must constantly enjoy our existence on the earth surface, then we must take proactive steps to phase out the use of air conditioning systems, fire protection systems, refrigerators aerosol products and other equipment that contain or rely on the Ozone Depleting Substances (ODP) including Chlorofluorocarbons (CFS) and others for their processes.”