AGORA Project: Nigeria's Bid to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Nigeria Launches AGORA to Combat Climate Change

“The AGORA project that we are launching today presents another opportunity for us to further advance...”

Nigeria's Federal Government launches AGORA project to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable cooling practices.

Nigeria's Federal Government has launched the AGORA project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change. The project focuses on promoting energy-efficient and low-global warming potential technologies in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sector.

The AGORA project was introduced during a workshop in Abuja, hosted by the Federal Ministry of Environment through its National Ozone Office. Key collaborators include the Energy Commission of Nigeria, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United for Efficiency (U4E), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Idris Abdullahi, National Coordinator of the National Ozone Office, highlighted the project's significance, stating that it marks a crucial step towards environmental sustainability. By promoting the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, the AGORA project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

“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.

“This initiative will shape the future of air conditioning and refrigeration standards in Nigeria, driving advancements in energy efficiency, reducing GHG emissions, and fostering sustainable economic growth,” he stated.

Idris Abdullahi, National Coordinator of Nigeria's National Ozone Office, reaffirmed the country's dedication to implementing the Montreal Protocol, which aims to protect the ozone layer, as well as its Kigali Amendment. This amendment focuses on phasing down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases used in refrigeration and air conditioning. By ratifying the Kigali Amendment, Nigeria has demonstrated its commitment to reducing HFC emissions and mitigating climate change, aligning with global efforts to address this critical issue.

“Over the past three decades, Nigeria has been implementing the Protocol's Ozone Depleting Substances Phase-out Programme in sectors such as refrigeration, air conditioning, and foam production. The AGORA project is an extension of this commitment,” he noted.

Abdullahi noted that the initiative seeks to promote the adoption of energy-efficient and low-global warming potential (GWP) technologies in the refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) sector. The project's objectives include:

° Strengthening policies to support the transition to modern, climate-friendly RAC technologies

° Fostering partnerships to drive innovation and investment in Africa's RAC market

° Replacing outdated RAC systems with energy-efficient alternatives

° Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the RAC sector

° Encouraging market innovation and growth in the RAC industry.

“The AGORA project presents another opportunity for us to advance our efforts towards energy-efficient and low- GWP technologies in the RAC sector. This involves establishing and strengthening policies, regulations, and partnerships to ensure the successful transition to energy-efficient equipment.

“The project will transform the refrigeration and air-conditioning, RAC, market in Africa by replacing old, inefficient equipment and initiating market transformation in the air- conditioning sector. This aligns with our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” Abdullahi said.

Dr. Shehu Mustapha, a Scientific Officer at the Energy Commission of Nigeria, underscored the project's twin goals: promoting energy efficiency in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sector, and advancing sustainable cooling solutions that support a more environmentally friendly future.

“Nigeria has been a leading actor in implementing the Montreal Protocol globally and in Africa. Through the AGORA project, the country continues to demonstrate leadership in promoting sustainable cooling solutions while fostering regional cooperation with Ghana.”

Darkwah highlighted the crucial need for responsible disposal of obsolete equipment and urged the media to take an active role in raising public awareness about the benefits of sustainable cooling practices and the importance of environmentally responsible waste management.