The Nigerian government has taken a big step toward greener industry with the opening of a new, modern facility at Vitapur Nigeria Limited, part of Vitafoam Nigeria Plc. The inauguration, led by Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas, took place on Tuesday and marks a milestone in environmentally responsible production.
The project, developed in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, is part of Nigeria’s ongoing effort to phase out harmful chemicals under the Hydrochlorofluorocarbon Phase-Out Management Plan. The upgraded facility now produces polyurethane using methyl formate-based polyols, which are safer for the ozone layer compared to the old HCFC-141b-based polyols commonly used in foam manufacturing.
As part of the improvements, the factory received new machinery such as mixing tanks, smoke detection systems, and updated electrical controls, while the on-site laboratory was enhanced with modern testing equipment for quality and safety checks.
“With this project now completed, Vitapur has entirely phased out the use of ozone-depleting HCFC-141b in its operations. It will also support downstream end-users in transitioning away from HCFC-141b in their rigid foam production,” Abbas emphasized. He added that the upgrade has removed over 300 metric tonnes of harmful HCFC-141b from Nigeria’s foam industry, helping the country stay in line with the Montreal Protocol.
Abbas also pointed out that this facility is one of just two such plants in Africa, the other being in South Africa. The new system is expected to provide a consistent supply of eco-friendly polyols, create jobs in green technology, and encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices, while potentially boosting Nigeria’s foreign revenue.
During the ceremony, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc Chairman, Zakari Sada, praised the collaboration between government agencies, international partners, and the private sector. He urged more initiatives to expand sustainable manufacturing across the country.
CEO Taiwo Adeniyi described the launch as a landmark achievement for the company and for Nigeria, highlighting its role in advancing environmentally responsible industrial growth and creating a model for future green initiatives.
