14/06/2026
NORTH AND WESTERN AFRICAN COUNTRIES ADVANCE REGIONAL COOPERATION ON ODS BANKS MANAGEMENT AND RAC CERTIFICATION SCHEMES IN ABUJA
# # # Abuja, Nigeria | 10–12 June 2026
The Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigeria, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), successfully hosted the Anglophone Thematic Meeting for North and Western Africa on Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) Banks and Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning (RAC) Certification Schemes from 10–12 June 2026 in Abuja, Nigeria.
The three-day regional meeting brought together National Ozone Officers, technical experts, policymakers, consultants, training institutions, and development partners from across North and Western Africa to strengthen collaboration, exchange experiences, and develop practical strategies for improving ODS banks management and RAC technician certification schemes in support of the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment.
Opening Ceremony
The meeting commenced with welcome remarks delivered by Engr. Dr. Mrs. Bahijjatu Hadiza Abubakar, FNSE, Director, Pollution Control and Environmental Health Department, Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigeria. She welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in addressing the growing challenges associated with the management of ODS and HFC banks as well as the establishment of effective certification systems for RAC technicians.
Mr. Patrick Salifu, Senior Regional Network Coordinator, UNEP, delivered the opening statement, emphasizing the significance of proper ODS bank management in reducing emissions from end-of-life equipment and supporting Parties in meeting their obligations under the Montreal Protocol.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr. Salihu Aminu Usman, delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Honourable Minister of the Federal Ministry of Environment Abbas Lawal, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to environmental sustainability, climate protection, and regional cooperation. He encouraged participating countries to utilize the meeting as a platform for knowledge sharing, identification of common challenges, and development of practical and sustainable solutions.
# # Strengthening Capacities on ODS Banks Management
The first day focused on ODS and HFC banks surveys, reporting methodologies, and management practices. Participants examined the importance of national inventories as a foundation for policy development, emissions reduction strategies, and sustainable refrigerant management.
A key presentation on “ODS/HFC Banks Survey and Reporting – The Malawi Experience” was delivered by Mr. John Mawenda, who shared Malawi’s experience in conducting a comprehensive national inventory of ODS and HFC banks. The presentation demonstrated how equipment-based inventories, supported by customs records, historical consumption data, stakeholder consultations, and field surveys, can generate reliable data for informed decision-making.
Country presentations highlighted ongoing efforts in ODS banks management, recovery, recycling, reclamation, and disposal activities. Participants discussed common challenges, including inadequate baseline information, limited data on existing equipment stocks, insufficient recovery infrastructure, and weak systems for collection, storage, reclamation, and disposal of unwanted refrigerants.
Technical discussions focused on methodologies for estimating ODS and HFC banks, the distinction between theoretical, potentially available, effectively available, and substantive banks, as well as strategies for identifying and managing reachable and unreachable refrigerant banks. Participants also exchanged views on sustainable financing models, data collection methodologies, and policy frameworks required to support long-term management of ODS and HFC banks.
# # Advancing RAC Certification Schemes
The second day was dedicated to RAC certification schemes and competency frameworks.
Participants reviewed Zimbabwe’s experience in establishing and operationalizing a RAC certification scheme, presented by Mr. Freeborn Taruvinga. Countries subsequently shared updates on national certification frameworks, licensing systems, competency standards, collaboration with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, and enforcement challenges.
The discussions emphasized the critical role of technician certification in ensuring the safe handling of refrigerants, reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and facilitating the transition to climate-friendly technologies.
Participants agreed on the need for stronger certification standards, harmonized training curricula, enhanced collaboration with TVET institutions, and stronger enforcement mechanisms to improve the quality and effectiveness of certification programmes across the region.
# # Group Work and Regional Recommendations
The third day featured intensive group discussions on ODS banks management and certification schemes.
# # # ODS Banks Management
Participants developed recommendations aimed at strengthening national inventories, improving data collection methodologies, and promoting sustainable management of used and unwanted controlled substances.
Key recommendations included:
* Development of comprehensive national ODS/HFC banks inventories;
* Strengthening recovery, recycling, reclamation, and disposal systems;
* Integration of ODS banks management into national cooling plans, Kigali Implementation Plans (KIPs), and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs);
* Development of sustainable financing and business models;
* Promotion of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP);
* Strengthening institutional, regulatory, and technical frameworks;
* Enhancing stakeholder awareness and capacity-building programmes.
Participants also emphasized the importance of creating practical business models involving government agencies, industry, private sector operators, and development partners to ensure sustainability of ODS banks management programmes.
# # # RAC Certification Schemes
The Certification Schemes Working Group recommended:
* Development of a harmonized regional RAC Certification Framework aligned with international best practices;
* Integration of certification requirements into national regulations and licensing systems;
* Strengthening collaboration with TVET institutions and establishment of Centres of Excellence;
* Harmonization of RAC training curricula across participating countries;
* Development of monitoring, reporting, verification, and enforcement mechanisms;
* Establishment of comprehensive databases of certified technicians, trainers, assessors, and institutions;
* Increased public awareness and stakeholder engagement;
* Mobilization of support from UNEP, GIZ, and other implementation agencies for capacity building and operationalization of certification frameworks.
The meeting further underscored the need for strong political commitment and government support to ensure long-term sustainability of certification schemes.
# # Key Outcomes
The meeting concluded that effective ODS banks management and robust RAC certification systems are essential for achieving the objectives of the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment.
Participants recognized that while significant progress has been made across the region, additional efforts are required to improve data collection, strengthen institutional capacities, establish sustainable financing mechanisms, and enhance regional cooperation.
The meeting also reaffirmed the importance of continuous information exchange, technical collaboration, and peer learning among countries in North and Western Africa.
# # Conclusion
The Abuja Thematic Meeting successfully provided a valuable platform for countries to share experiences, identify challenges, and develop practical recommendations for advancing ODS banks management and RAC certification schemes.
Participants expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigeria, UNEP, facilitators, and all stakeholders for organizing a highly productive and impactful meeting.
The outcomes of the meeting are expected to guide future national and regional initiatives aimed at improving refrigerant management practices, reducing emissions, promoting sustainable cooling, and strengthening compliance with international environmental agreements across the region.
