Experts to review ozone layer protection regulations

Environment experts are to  review National Environmental (Ozone Layer Protection) Regulations, 2009, to develop an effective standard for safe disposal of ozone depleting substance (ODS) in the country.
Speaking at a workshop tagged: “Expert Critique Meeting on Draft Reviewed National Environmental (Ozone Layer Protection) Regulations, 2009,” organised by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in partnership with UNIDO, the Director-General of the NESREA, Dr Lawrence Anukam, said that the adverse effects of ODS, which increasingly became an important issue globally, called for the need to control the substances under the Montreal Protocol.
Anukum said that in recognition of the adverse effect inherent in ODS use, the government promulgated the national environmental (Ozone Layer Protection) regulations 2009 with the aim of controlling the use of ODS in Nigeria.
He said that there were some imaginations that some chemicals were not included as those that can deplete the ozone layer and it was found over time that those not included may form problem.
Some of the gaps identified, according to him, included the omission of best practices for safe disposal, guidelines for ODS destruction, alternatives of ODS and upward review of penalties.
The gaps, he said, have hindered effective compliance, monitoring and enforcement and deterred the ODS handlers from complying with the regulations.
In his remark, the UNIDO Country Representative, Dr Chuma Ezedinma, said that nations were evolving with measures to protect their environment, calling on Nigeria to do same.
He said that it was important for the country implement the extended producer responsibility initiative, which ensures that manufacturers are responsible for the entire life cycle of their products.
Ezedinma, represented by Oluyomi Banjo, disclosed that the UNIDO had worked with Nigeria to successfully achieve the ban on importation and production of chloroflorocarbons, leading to achieving its phase out target.