The Nigerian Association of Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Practitioners (NARAP) has officially inaugurated NARAP Day, a new annual celebration to honour the contributions of professionals in the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) sector across Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the National President, NARAP, Ahmed Ibrahim, said that going forward, July 31 will be commemorated annually as NARAP Day, with the inaugural event held today on Thursday in Lagos.
Ibrahim said that the NARAP Day celebration aligns with the global World Refrigeration Day, themed “Cold Things.”
According to him, NARAP adopted the same theme to underscore the critical role cooling technology plays in modern life, food preservation, health, and environmental protection.
“We are gathered to celebrate the men and women who keep our systems cool—literally. This is the first of what will become an annual event.
“Beyond the celebration, we are also marking the anniversary of the NARAP national elections, which ushered in a new era of leadership and innovation,” Ibrahim said.
He emphasised NARAP’s ongoing collaboration with the federal government to promote the adoption of energy-efficient air conditioners and phase out the use of ozone-depleting substances in line with global environmental standards.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Alex Okelola, Coordinator of the Lagos State Chapter, highlighted the association’s achievements and challenges.
“We thank the companies that supported this event. We also call on the Federal Government to intervene by supporting the availability of safer materials and tools.
“Our members are complying with minimum energy efficiency standards and making use of recovery machines to manage harmful gases like R22, which is being phased out,” Okelola said.
He praised the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for providing gas recovery machines and the Lagos State Government for building the capacity of technicians to ensure safe and professional practices in the sector.
In his remarks, Adelodun Adesola, Deputy National Secretary of NARAP, described the occasion as historic.
“This is the first event of its kind in our association, and our members are excited.
“Under the leadership of our current president, we have introduced digital ID cards and established a member database to combat quackery and improve professionalism,” Adesola said.
Addressing the broader environmental context, Dr. Leslie Adogame, Executive Director of Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev) Nigeria, reiterated the importance of Nigeria’s commitment to the Montreal Protocol and the global transition away from ozone-depleting substances.
“NARAP is a key stakeholder in achieving a net-zero regime for Nigeria.
“We are partnering with them and supporting the Ozone Office to build the capacity of technicians.
“This bottom-up approach is crucial if we are to handle climate-sensitive equipment responsibly,” Adogame said.
Mr Yunusa, a representative of the Nigeria Ozone Office stressed the need for environmentally sound practices in the RAC sector.
He noted that proper installation, maintenance, and servicing of appliances are critical to achieving long-term sustainability.
As Nigeria continues its journey toward sustainable cooling and climate resilience, NARAP’s growing influence and advocacy are expected to play a pivotal role in transforming the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
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