As stakeholders urge the enforcement of existing protection laws

By OZIORUVA ALIU

FOUR Nigerian states, namely Borno, Rivers, Abuja and Lagos, have been identified as the worst hit areas by radiation from the Ozone layer as a result of its depletion and governments have been urged to enforce existing anti

ozone layer depletion laws and support the use of clean technologies.

This was the position of stakeholders in Benin City, the Edo State capital yesterday at the commemoration of the 2025 International Ozone Day Celebration with the theme ?From science to global action? organized by the Save The Ozone Nigeria in collaboration with the Federal and State Ministries of Environment and the National Centre for Energy and Environment (NCEE) situated at the University of Benin City.

In his opening address, the chairman of the event, Professor Anthony Ogbeibu said Nigeria must sustain its policies on the ozone layer because ?recent scientific research shows that Ozone depletion and exposure to erythemal UV radiation (EUVR), affect Nigeria more than many places. So we are not isolated from this global threat.

?It is documented that in Borno, Rivers, Abuja and Lagos, UV radiation often reaches very high extreme levels in the midday, especially in the dry and early rainy seasons. Even a short exposure with no protection can have harmful effects.?

He advocated for enlightenment on UV risks and protective behaviours. ?We must support clean technologies by enforcing existing laws more strictly and ensuring that ozone-depleting substances are not imported or used illegally.?

In his keynote address, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal who was represented by Osagie Edomwandagbon said the Nigerian government has been carrying out a lot of sensitization and the protection of the ozone layer through various policy formulations and implementation.

On his part, the Acting Director of the NCEE, Dr. Emmanuel Ogbomida said the Energy Commission of Nigeria and its specialized research centres have been supporting the global mission to protect the ozone layer and that going by global efforts, ?Then ozone hole is shrinking and experts project that the ozone layer will return to pre-1980slevel between 2060 and 2070?

However, he this could only be achieved by not allowing complacency in the efforts at protecting the ozone layer.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Director and Founder of Save The Ozone, Nigeria, Ozaveshe Balogun commended participants and said the annual event was as a result of the Montreal Protocol that gave a clear global definition to the protection of the environment.(Vanguard)

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