By Ajibola Adedoye
Nigeria has taken a decisive leap in sustainable industrial manufacturing with the commissioning of the Optimized System House at Vitapur Nigeria Ltd., Lagos, for the production of Methyl Formate-based, ozone-friendly foams.
The project, developed in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded under Stage II of the Hydrochlorofluorocarbons Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP), positions Nigeria as one of only two African countries with such a facility, alongside South Africa.
Environment Minister Balarabe Abbas Lawal said the project marks the complete phase-out of HCFC-141b in Vitapur’s operations.
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“With this commissioning, over 301 metric tons of harmful HCFC-141b have been eliminated. This is a landmark in Nigeria’s commitment to the Montreal Protocol and ozone protection,” he declared.
The upgraded plant will use safer alternatives – Hydrofluoro-olefins (HFOs), Cyclopentane, and Methylal – to produce high-quality rigid foams used in insulation, refrigeration, thermoware, and automotive applications.
The optimized facility comes with:
- New blending tanks, smoke detectors, and advanced control panels.
- Supply of eco-friendly raw materials such as catalysts and silicone.
- A world-class laboratory with testing equipment like Flash Point and K-Value Testers.
- Opportunities for green jobs and local technician training in ozone-friendly technologies.
The project also builds on earlier conversions, such as the 2023 transition at Slavit Nigeria Ltd., which phased out an additional 96 metric tons of harmful chemicals.
Chairman of Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, Zakari M. Sada, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainability but urged the government to review trade policies that put local manufacturers at a disadvantage.
“We pay 40% duty on steel sheets for local panel production, while imported finished panels enjoy duty waivers. This is unfair and discourages investment,” Sada said.
He also called for stricter enforcement of the ban on ozone-depleting substances.
Group Managing Director of Vitafoam Plc, Taiwo Adeniyi, highlighted the broader economic benefits:
- Boosted blending capacity for ozone-friendly materials.
- Stronger laboratory and training infrastructure.
- Opportunities for research and reduced import dependency.
He noted that the facility would drive job creation, save foreign exchange, and open export opportunities in construction, refrigeration, oil and gas, and automotive sectors.
The Minister described the facility as a regional milestone:
“This project makes Nigeria a leader in West Africa on ozone and climate-friendly technologies. It shows how public-private partnerships can deliver industrial growth while protecting the environment.”
The event ended with the official handover of the project to Vitapur by the Federal Government and UNDP, symbolizing Nigeria’s growing role in climate action and sustainable industrial development.
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