LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT REFUNDS 145 FORMER SUBSCRIBERS OF EGAN HOUSING ESTATE
admin By Ganiyat Mumuni
Nigerians must adopt sustainable practices, harness science and technology for positive change, and advocate for a climate-resilient future to keep the Ozone layer and earth safe.
Laos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab spoke at the celebration of the World Ozone Day, themed ‘Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Action’.
The event was organised by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), in collaboration with the Nigerian Association of Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Practitioners (NARAP), among other stakeholders.
Wahab, who reiterated the significance of the ozone layer in regulating the earths’ climate, noted that Lagos’ unique geography makes it vulnerable to coastal flooding, thus emphasising the need for urgent actions.
He outlined the government’s efforts towards addressing climate change to include Climate Action Plan by achieving carbon neutrality by 2050; ensuring the use of ozone-friendly refrigerants, phasing out harmful substances and promoting alternatives; environmental regulations, ensuring compliance with international treaties and national laws; sustainable practices, encouraging renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
General Manager of LASEPA Babatunde Ajayi said the advocacy programme is to sensitise the public on the Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) substances and other greenhouse gases which deplete the Ozone layer, and their effects on the climate.
Ajayi noted that Lagos is one of the top destinations of used cooling equipment around the world. “Hence, adequate awareness needs to be passed on the effects of the equipment to the environment,” he noted.
“Lagos State is vulnerable to climate changes arising from our various activities, and if adequate and effective measures are not taken, considerable physical, ecological and socio-economic loses would be incurred.
“LASEPA has taken up this responsibility to enlighten and inform the public about the depletion of the Ozone layer on this year’s World Ozone Day. There are policies guiding us, and we do enforcement from time to time. We are in a very strong partnership with the association that governs the activities in Lagos, and also with the federal agency that oversees the Ozone layer.
“We visit this people from time to time to enforce these policies we have put together and ensure they comply by the regulations on the handling of the materials that contain the ozone-depleting gases.
“As part of measures to curb these problems, the Lagos State government on September 11, held a stakeholder’s engagement and launched a Greenhouse Gas (GHGs) registry. This initiative follows the alarming rate of Greenhouse Gas emissions and the devastating effects on the air quality,” he added.
Federal Controller of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Lagos, Mrs. Olabimpe Adenaike, said the Federal Government is working to curve the depletion of the Ozone layer.
She said: “The ports are entry points for refrigerants, so Customs officers have been trained to seize such to prevent them from permeating the country. The ministry is also disseminating information, providing technical assistance, training and expertise, as well as making funding available to those who need it.”
President of the Nigerian Association of Refrigerator and Air conditioning Practitioners (NARAP) John Akhapue said the association has been partnering the Federal Government, especially on ozone layer issues, and will continue to adhere to government policies and sensitise its members on the dangers of a depleted Ozone layer.
