Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADeV Nigeria) has called for stronger political commitment and increased funding to accelerate the implementation of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, particularly in developing countries.
The organization made the appeal during the 48th Open-ended Working Group meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, ahead of the Kigali Amendment’s 10th anniversary later this year.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr Leslie Adogame, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, SRADeV said the meeting provided an opportunity for governments to review the achievements of the Montreal Protocol and address implementation challenges facing developing nations.
According to the organization, the anniversary should serve as a renewed global commitment to combating climate change by accelerating the implementation of agreed obligations.
SRADeV urged member states to replenish the Multilateral Fund and strengthen institutional support for Article 5 countries, including Nigeria, which are facing increasing demand for cooling technologies.
The organization quoted the Director and National Ozone Officer at the Federal Ministry of Environment, Mr Idris Abdullahi, as emphasizing the need for sustained financial support.
Abdullahi said an adequately funded Multilateral Fund remains essential for developing countries to meet their obligations under the Montreal Protocol while advancing climate action and protecting the ozone layer.
SRADeV described the Montreal Protocol, adopted in 1987 and enforced in 1989, as one of the world’s most successful environmental treaties.
It noted that the 2016 Kigali Amendment expanded the treaty’s scope by targeting hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)—powerful greenhouse gases that contribute significantly to global warming.
The organization, however, warned that economic uncertainty, energy market volatility, fiscal constraints and worsening climate impacts are making implementation increasingly difficult for Article 5 countries.
It said many developing nations are simultaneously completing the phase-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) while preparing for their first HFC phase-down within the next three years.
SRADeV described Nigeria as one of Africa’s leading implementers of the Kigali Amendment, citing ongoing regulatory reforms, capacity-building programs and market transformation initiatives coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Environment with support from international partners.
According to the organization, Nigeria’s progress demonstrates its commitment to climate action and the protection of the ozone layer.
Adogame stressed that predictable financing and sustained international cooperation are crucial to reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency and transforming the cooling sector.
He said adequate funding would strengthen institutions, modernize refrigeration servicing and accelerate the adoption of sustainable cooling technologies.
The executive director added that the outcome of the Bangkok meeting would significantly influence Nigeria’s implementation of its Kigali Amendment obligations.
He disclosed that Nigeria is strengthening its HFC licensing and quota systems, promoting climate-friendly refrigerants, expanding technician training, improving refrigerant recovery and recycling, enhancing energy efficiency and integrating sustainable cooling into national climate policies.
Also speaking, SRADeV’s Policy and Technical Manager, Mr Jeremiah Ato, said Nigeria had demonstrated strong commitment through policy reforms and institutional actions.
He, however, stressed that increased ambition must be matched with adequate financial resources to sustain implementation.
The organization also expressed concern over the continued importation of obsolete and energy-inefficient refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment into developing countries, warning that the trend undermines the objectives of the Kigali Amendment by prolonging the use of outdated technologies with high-global-warming refrigerants.
It called for stronger international collaboration to curb illegal trade, improve customs intelligence and strengthen regulatory frameworks.
SRADeV further urged the African Group of Negotiators to maintain a united position during the Bangkok talks to safeguard Africa’s interests and accelerate the continent’s transition to climate-friendly cooling solutions.
