- ECN, NOO, and the Ministry of Environment trained stakeholders on properly disposing of old air conditioning units to reduce environmental and health risks.
- The workshop focused on managing harmful refrigerants like HCFCs and HFCs, which deplete the ozone layer and affect human health.
- Experts discussed transitioning to energy-efficient, climate-friendly ACs aligned with Nigeria’s climate goals in the revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), together with the National Ozone Office (NOO) and the Ministry of Environment, hosted a two-day workshop to train stakeholders in the private and government sectors on the proper disposal of old Air Cooling System (ACS) units—the event aimed to teach participants how to handle outdated AC equipment in an environmentally responsible manner.
Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal opened the workshop in Kano. He emphasised the growing environmental risks of disposing of old air conditioners as technology advances. Many old units contain harmful substances, such as refrigerants like hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). These substances deplete the ozone layer and pose serious health risks.
Lawal, represented by Engr. Idris Abdullahi, Director of NOO, stated that the training would provide stakeholders with the necessary skills to manage end-of-life AC components to reduce harm to human health and the environment. Abdullahi added that properly managing these units could help mitigate their disposal’s environmental and health risks.
Engr. Ismaila Lawal, Assistant Director at the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), also addressed the participants. He explained that gases released by old air conditioners damage the ozone layer, which protects against ultraviolet (UV) rays. He noted that SON had developed standards for ACs and e-waste disposal, which ensure proper handling of outdated equipment.
Dr. Shehu Mustafa, Head of ECN’s Energy Transition Unit, discussed the importance of collective action in transitioning to energy-efficient air conditioners that use climate-friendly refrigerants. He highlighted that this shift aligns with Nigeria’s climate goals outlined in the revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). Mustafa stressed that stakeholders must play an active role in shaping the future of air conditioning standards in Nigeria.
The training, titled “Scaling Up Energy-Efficient and Climate-Friendly Cooling in Nigeria’s NDC Revision,” received support from the United Nations Environment Programme’s United for Efficiency (UNEP U4E) initiative, the Clean Cooling Collaborative, and SON. The session focused on the sustainable disposal of air conditioners and refrigerants, aiming to help Nigeria reduce its environmental footprint.
The workshop gave stakeholders a platform to learn about the risks of improper disposal of old AC units, which can lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions and further ozone layer damage. It also addressed the need for updated practices to handle the disposal of such equipment more effectively.
Experts shared knowledge on best practices for handling end-of-life air conditioning systems. These practices will drive progress toward Nigeria’s climate goals and encourage the adoption of energy-efficient cooling technologies.
By the end of the workshop, participants gained practical knowledge to take action in their respective sectors. ECN and its partners hope this initiative will lead to broader adoption of the country’s climate-friendly refrigeration and cooling systems. This effort will support Nigeria’s climate commitments and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
The training represents a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability.