By Ajibola Adedoye
In a significant move to accelerate Nigeria’s shift toward sustainable and climate friendly cooling technologies, the Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADeV Nigeria) held a pivotal capacity building workshop for refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) technicians.
Dr. Leslie Adogame, Executive Director of SRADeV Nigeria, delivered a goodwill address emphasizing the organization’s commitment to advancing the Montreal Protocol and facilitating implementation of the Kigali Amendment in Nigeria. The Amendment, aimed at phasing down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), is a key global strategy to mitigate climate change impacts.
Represented by Olumide Joseph, Dr. Adogame highlighted SRADeV’s project, “Promoting Fast Action to Reduce Emissions of Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (F Gases) and Ozone-Depleting Substances in Nigeria,” which focuses on raising awareness, shaping policy, and upskilling frontline stakeholders in RAC servicing and installation.
Also Read
SRADeV is collaborating closely with the National Ozone Office (NOO) under the Federal Ministry of Environment (FMENV) and supporting Nigeria’s National Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Practitioners (NARAP) in deploying national actions—especially those recently held in Abuja and Lagos. The aim is for technicians, as crucial agents of change, to receive certification enabling them to safely handle low GWP refrigerants, improve energy efficiency, and uphold environmental and public health standards.
The workshop was underscored by a firm message: certified and trained technicians are essential to safely transition Nigeria away from high GWP refrigerants. “This training provides the knowledge and hands on experience necessary to handle new technologies. The accompanying certification serves as official validation” Dr. Adogame noted, advocating that only certified professionals be allowed to manage these systems across government institutions and the wider public sphere.
Commending the facilitators and governmental bodies, SRADeV also urged that trained, certified technicians be integrated into decision making processes to help professionalize the RAC sector.
UNDP Backed HCFC Phase Out Efforts Strengthen RAC Training Capacity
Expanding on these efforts, officials noted that through the Multilateral Fund-supported HCFC Phase Out Management Plan (HPMP) —with UNDP and UNIDO playing key roles—Nigeria has phased out HCFC 141b in rigid foam manufacturing and upgraded over 20 RAC training centers with modern equipment for technician certification. Facilities across Lagos, including sites such as Cool Plus and centers in Port Harcourt and Kano, have benefited. The shift toward hydrocarbon refrigerants, while environmentally promising, brings flammability risks—making training and certification indispensable to avoid accidents.
UNDP documents affirm these efforts aim to enhance policy frameworks, implement safe-use standards, develop training curricula, advance reclamation schemes, and showcase hydrocarbon refrigerants on a demonstration basis.
NARAP Leaders Highlight Safety and Practice in Workshop Interventions
Representing the Nigerian Association of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Practitioners (NARAP), Secretary General Wasiu Kadiri Abiodun delivered remarks on behalf of President Ahmed Ibrahim Salaudeen.
He praised the training as timely, aligning with professional standards and international obligations under the Montreal Protocol stressing that safety in handling flammable refrigerants such as R 290 must never be compromised—”When you are alive, that is where you can work… if you get injured, you’ll not be able to work again.” The emphasis was on ensuring every trainee not only learns but applies best practices in the field.
Lagos State NARAP Coordinator Okedola Abiodun Alex, echoed this sentiment, calling the workshop a long awaited, transformative opportunity. He pointed to the fight against quackery in the sector, encouraging certified technicians to reach others with accurate knowledge—expanding membership and elevating professionalism across the field.
For your Press Conferences/ Adverts/Media Consultancy/Support
Contact the Editor via WhatsApp +2348026940472/+2348032339384 or
Email: news@dailyinsight.com.ng & shinaayo110@gmail.com