As part of their initiative to commemorate the 2025 World Refrigeration Day (WRD), the Nigerian Association of Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Practitioners (NARAP) and Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev) Nigeria have agreed to collaborate in order to enhance capacity and ensure that their members carry out their responsibilities effectively.
Ahmed Ibrahim, the national executive president of NARAP, made the disclosure on Thursday, June 26, 2025, in Abuja, during a joint press conference it hosted in collaboration with Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev) Nigeria.
According to him, one of the association’s main problems is that many of its members lack the skills needed to handle new technologies.
“So, we really need training for our members and modern equipment to operate these new innovations,” Ibrahim stated.
Speaking about the significance of the event, he emphasised that the WRD serves as a reminder to everyone of the critical role refrigeration and air conditioning play in health, food security, comfort, and environmental sustainability. It also allows members to reflect on their obligations as professionals dedicated to best practices, energy efficiency, and environmental preservation.
Nigeria has done a credible job of promoting ozone protection and climate-friendly technologies. As a result, the NARAP president praised the federation’s government, represented by the national ozone office under the federal ministry of environment, for their cooperation and demonstration of strong leadership.
Furthermore, he also conveyed his gratitude to SRADev Nigeria for their continuous collaboration and commitment to advocacy and capacity building in the sector.
“So, I believe SRADev can help us bridge the gap between us and the global community,” he told a group of journalists and industry players who assembled to commemorate the historic day.
Dr. Leslie Adogame, the executive director of SRADev Nigeria, while commenting on the theme of the event – “Cool Skills” – said it is talking about the body of empowerment, with a focus on the people and expertise behind refrigeration, air-conditioning, and sustainable technologies.
To effectively address the complex environmental challenges facing Nigeria and the wider world, collaboration is essential. Consequently, he committed to ensuring that SRADev, as a professional non-profit organisation, would work alongside NARAP to enhance their capacity and amplify their voices.
Furthermore, he also promised that SRADev would collaborate with the association to raise awareness and assist its members in attending international conferences to exchange and cross-fertilise ideas.
“Giving NARAP a voice will help the government and citizens know that a professional body like it does exist,” Dr. Adogame said, because a country like Nigeria should transition from a place where quakes handle refrigerators and air-conditioning to one where professionals are patronised, which is what the advocacy is all about.
Nigeria, similar to China and India, has the potential to leapfrog and achieve this transition, which he asserts is not a rocket science. He believes that this transition would benefit everyone, including the federal government, which is at the forefront of addressing climate change and promoting a shift towards a circular economy.
“We commend and appreciate your efforts, and we are ready to stay by and work with you, enhance the capacity of your team, and introduce you to opportunities like fundable projects that can enable you to be sustainable,” the SRADev Nigeria chief said.
Some of the event’s highlights include a street march to raise public awareness of the WRD and NARAP’s work, as well as free services for both corporate and individual houses.
By Etta Michael Bisong, Abuja