FG, launches initiative to tackle climate change
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The Nigerian government has launched Abating Greenhouse Gas Emission from Obsolete Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (AGORA), Equipment project to create a future where energy-efficient and climate-friendly cooling and refrigeration technologies become a standard, to tackle climate change issues.
Speaking, the National Ozone Office, Federal Ministry of Environment Mr. Idris Abdullahi, disclosed that, the AGORA Project is an avenue to advance and promote energy efficiency and low GWP technologies by strengthening policies of the transition leading to reduction of GHG emissions.
Abdullahi, stated this during a stakeholder’s workshop, organised by the Federal Ministry of Environment through the National Ozone Office, in collaboration with the Energy Commission of Nigeria, United Nations Environment Programme and the United for Efficiency (UNEP-U4E), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), titled ‘Abating Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Obsolete RAC Equipment in Ghana and Nigeria (AGORA).
According to him, that the project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the refrigeration and air conditioning sector, as well as and climate issues. Adding that, the objectives of the AGORA project is too obsolete Rac equipment. “The AGORA project that we are launching today, presents another opportunity for us to further advance our efforts towards the promotion of Energy Efficient and Low GWP technologies in the RAC sector by Establishing and strengthening policies, regulations and partnerships, to ensure the success of the transition to Energy Efficient and Low GWP RAC equipment.
“Thereby, leading to the reduction of GHG emissions at the equipment’s end of life and transforming the RAC market through ambitious replacement programmes for old and in-efficient equipment using high GWP refrigerants, initiating market transformation in the air-conditioning sector in Africa, and also supporting South-South cooperation between Nigeria and Ghana, since the project will be implemented in both countries,” he said.
Similarly, Dr. Shehu Mustapha of the energy commission of Nigeria, highlighted that AGORA Project focuses on accelerating the transition to energy efficient and climate friendly refrigerator and air conditioner RAC in Nigeria and Ghana.
Speaking further, he stressed that the commission is aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and promoting climate-friendly cooling solutions, thereby contributing significantly to Nigeria’s climate goals and sustainable energy access.
“The project will help to sharp the future of air conditioning and future of air conditioning and refrigerating standards in Nigeria, driving advancements in energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainable economic growth,” he said.
The project manager from UNEP-U4E, Mr. Mzwandile Thwala, emphasized that AGORA Project, is advancing efforts to integrate energy-efficient and sustainable cooling solutions into Nigeria’s climate goals.
“The project, is a tool in addressing climate challenges as well as driving economic growth and enhancing the well-being of communities, also to promotes the use of low-GWP refrigerants and energy-efficient ACs in residential and commercial sectors to reduce energy demand and emissions.”
Also speaking, the Regional Policy and Technical Specialist Regional Service Centre for Africa of UNDP, Mr. Joel Darkwah, revealed that Nigeria has been one of the leading actors on the Montreal Protocol globally and in Africa, and has been recognized as such for decades. “It has been one of the most proactive Parties and also a leading member of the Africa group within the institutions.”
Darkwah charged the media to increase public awareness on this process for the uptake of sustainable cooling options at the household level.
