September 2, 2025, In a landmark step towards environmental sustainability, the Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has commissioned the Optimised System House at Vitapur Nigeria Limited in Lagos, for the production of Methyl Formate-based pre-blended polyols in the Rigid Polyurethane Foam sector.
The project, funded under Stage II of the Hydrochlorofluorocarbons Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) of the Montreal Protocol, marks Nigeria’s decisive shift away from ozone-depleting substances and positions the country as one of only two African nations – alongside South Africa – with such a facility.
Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal (in white), with government, UNDO and Vitapur/Vitafoam officials, at the commissioning
Speaking at the commissioning, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, emphasised the significance of the project in Nigeria’s climate and ozone protection efforts.
“With this commissioning, Vitapur has completely phased out the use of HCFC-141b in its operations. This will also support downstream companies to eliminate harmful substances from their foam production lines. Together, we have phased out over 301 metric tons of HCFC-141b, fulfilling Nigeria’s obligations under the Montreal Protocol,” he stated.
The Minister explained that the optimisation of the System House was necessary after challenges such as shrinkage and high-density issues were identified in earlier formulations. The improved facility now deploys a mix of environmentally friendly blowing agents such as Hydrofluoro-olefins (HFOs), Cyclopentane, and Methylal, enabling the sustainable production of high-quality rigid foams for insulation panels, thermoware, spray foams, and other applications.
The project achieved several critical milestones such as:
The Minister highlighted that this optimisation builds on earlier successes, including the conversion of Slavit Nigeria Ltd in 2023 from HCFC-141b to Cyclopentane-based technology, which phased out an additional 96 metric tons of harmful chemicals.
In its opening remarks, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) described the event as not only representing a symbol of Nigeria’s leadership in environmental stewardship, industrial innovation, and sustainable development, but also reflects the strength of partnership between government, private sector, and the international community in advancing climate action and inclusive economic transformation.
Muyiwa Odele, Head, Environment & Climate Change Unit, UNDP, disclosed that UNDP’s global mandate and its work in Nigeria is to support countries in accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), for which the System House project is a concrete outcome.
“This System House exemplifies how global environmental agreements can be localised to deliver tangible benefits for both people and planet – including – creating green jobs, enhancing industrial competitiveness, and safeguarding public health and ecosystems.
“This commissioning aligns strongly with Nigeria’s commitment under the Montreal Protocol, a global agreement that has successfully phased out nearly 99% of ozone-depleting substances worldwide.
“Through our collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment and the National Ozone Office, we are proud to support Nigeria’s transition to ozone- and climate-friendly technologies,” he said.
Odele pointed out that the milestone comes at a time when Nigeria has just validated its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0 under the Paris Agreement.
“The NDC3.0 is not just a technical document – it is a developmental blueprint that reflects Nigeria’s ambition to transform its economy through clean energy, resilient infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, and inclusive growth,” he stated.
He added: “As we are all aware, the Montreal Protocol, particularly through its Kigali Amendment, has expanded its focus from ozone depletion to include greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The System House technologies being commissioned today promote the use of low-GWP refrigerants and energy-efficient cooling systems, significantly reducing emissions from hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are potent GHGs. Integrating refrigerant transition with energy efficiency not only enhances performance and lowers costs but also creates green jobs – especially for youth – in manufacturing, servicing, and innovation.
“Today’s commissioning is therefore a clear demonstration of how climate action can be a driver of economic transformation, social inclusion, and environmental resilience. It showcases the kind of bold and integrated solutions that are needed to deliver on both national priorities and global commitments.
“We congratulate and salute the courage of Vitapur Ltd for being an industrial trailblazer and for its proactive role in embracing sustainability and innovation. Vitapur’s partnership with the Government and UNDP exemplifies how the private sector can be a powerful engine for climate resilience and green growth.
“It is our hope that today’s milestone will further inspire more collaboration, increased ambition, and unity of purpose, because we at UNDP strongly believe, in line with the Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, that together, we can build a Nigeria where development is not only inclusive and prosperous – but also sustainable and climate-resilient.”
Welcoming guests, Mr. Zakari M. Sada, Chairman of Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, the parent company of Vitapur, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainability and job creation.
He urged the Federal Government to introduce policy incentives that would enable local manufacturers to thrive.
“One of our biggest challenges is the import levy and 40% duty imposed on steel sheets used in local sandwich panel production, while finished insulated panels are allowed duty waivers. This policy imbalance hurts domestic industry and discourages investment,” Sada noted.
He also called for stricter enforcement of the ban on ozone-depleting substances (ODS) to protect both the environment and local manufacturing.
In his project status report, Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi, Group Managing Director of Vitafoam Plc, revealed that the optimised facility has not only phased out HCFC-141b in Vitapur’s operations but has also:
According to him, the initiative supports Nigeria’s industrialisation drive by creating jobs, boosting exports, saving foreign exchange, and enabling technology transfer across sectors such as construction, refrigeration, oil and gas, and automotive industries.
The project aligns with Nigeria’s commitments under the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment, both of which aim to protect the ozone layer and reduce global warming potential (GWP) from industrial chemicals.
“This facility makes Nigeria a leader in West Africa on ozone and climate-friendly technologies. It is a demonstration of how public-private partnerships can deliver sustainable industrial growth while protecting the environment,” said the Minister.
The ceremony ended with a symbolic presentation of the handover certificate for the project from the Federal Government and UNDP to Vitapur Nigeria Limited, marking a new phase in Nigeria’s environmental and industrial development journey.
Source: EnviroNews nigeria
