The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), in collaboration with the Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev) and the Nigerian Association of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Practitioners (NARAP), has called for greater adoption of sustainable cooling practices to protect the ozone layer and combat climate change.
The call was made during a sensitisation and public awareness workshop held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the NUT Pavilion, NERDC Road, Alausa, Ikeja, to commemorate World Ozone Day. The event was held under the theme, “Global Action for a Cooler Planet: Celebrating 10 Years of Sustainable Cooling under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.”
Speaking at the workshop, LASEPA General Manager, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, said the agency had remained committed to commemorating World Ozone Day because of the vital role of the ozone layer in protecting life on Earth. He urged stakeholders to adopt environmentally friendly practices and ensure that sustainable cooling solutions are accessible and affordable, particularly in underserved communities.
The Director/Federal Controller of Environment, Southwest Region, Mrs. Olabimpe Adenaike Oladunni, explained that the ozone layer absorbs much of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation. She noted that concerns over ozone depletion led to the Vienna Convention in 1985 and the Montreal Protocol in 1987, while subsequent climate concerns highlighted the need to reduce the use of substances with high global warming potential.
SRADev Executive Director, Dr. Leslie Adogame, commended LASEPA for sustaining its World Ozone Day activities and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting ozone protection, research and climate action. Similarly, the Lagos Office representative of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Mrs. Grace Majekodunmi, said the agency would continue to support the implementation of the Kigali Amendment through regulation, licensing and monitoring.
NARAP National Executive Secretary, Wasiu Kabiru Abiodun, said refrigeration and air-conditioning practitioners had an important role to play in promoting sustainable cooling, given their involvement in the installation, maintenance, repair, recovery and decommissioning of cooling equipment.
In her closing remarks, LASEPA Director of Environmental Sustainability Unit, Mrs. Adebayo Adedayo, stressed the importance of continuous training and capacity building. She said achieving environmental sustainability required stronger collaboration among government agencies, development partners, technical experts, businesses and practitioners, while appreciating the Lagos State Government for its support for environmental initiatives.
