By Judith Kuejubola
ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Ministry of Environment is set to engage refrigeration and air-conditioning technicians, schools, businesses and other stakeholders in activities aimed at promoting environmentally responsible cooling practices.
The Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses Ogodo, disclosed this in a statement marking the 2026 World Ozone Day, observed on September 16, under the theme, “Global Action for a Cooler Planet.”
Ogodo said the ministry’s programme would include sensitisation campaigns in schools and marketplaces, awareness sessions for artisans and a stakeholders’ workshop on sustainable cooling technologies.
He said the activities would culminate in complimentary servicing of air-conditioners and refrigerators in selected Ministries, Departments and Agencies across the state, in collaboration with the Delta State Chapter of the National Association of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Practitioners.
The commissioner said the initiative was intended to encourage better handling of refrigerants and promote cooling technologies that support environmental protection.
He explained that the 2026 theme marked 10 years since the adoption of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which provides for the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases used in refrigeration and air-conditioning.
According to him, reducing HFC emissions would support efforts to mitigate climate change while complementing international measures to protect the ozone layer.
Ogodo said the experience of the Montreal Protocol demonstrated the importance of science-based policies, compliance, financing and cooperation in addressing environmental challenges.
He urged residents to maintain their cooling appliances regularly to reduce refrigerant leakage and consider energy-efficient, ozone-friendly alternatives when purchasing air-conditioners and refrigeration equipment.
The commissioner also encouraged businesses and households to adopt energy-saving practices, support renewable energy, embrace sustainable land-use practices and purchase recycled products where possible.
He identified refrigerator and air-conditioner repairers, car air-conditioning installers, resource pickers, and foam and aerosol dealers and manufacturers among those targeted by the ministry’s awareness activities.
Ogodo called on businesses, technicians, schools, communities, civil society organisations and the media to support efforts to improve public understanding of ozone-layer protection and sustainable cooling.
“As we commemorate ten years of the Kigali Amendment, let us move beyond simply keeping our homes, offices, businesses and industries cool to adopting energy-efficient and sustainable cooling technologies that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to environmental awareness and practical initiatives that support a healthier and more climate-resilient Delta State.
