The Federal Government, through the Ozone Office of the Federal Ministry of Environment (FMOE), has reiterated its dedication to eliminating ozone-depleting substances by scaling up training and certification initiatives for refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) technicians across Nigeria.
uring a session held at the Cool Plus Training Centre in Lagos, the Director and National Ozone Officer, Mr. Idris Abdullahi, emphasized Nigeria’s ongoing progress under the second phase of the Hydrochlorofluorocarbons Phase-Out Management Plan (HPMP), supported by the Multilateral Fund.
Speaking on his behalf, Mr. Nurudeen Mahmud, Assistant Chief Chemical Engineer at the Ozone Office, noted the importance of the RAC sector, particularly due to the prevalent use of HCFC-22, a common ozone-depleting refrigerant in cooling systems.
Mahmud stated that the government is pushing for a transition to hydrocarbon refrigerants—alternatives that are both ozone- and climate-friendly. However, he highlighted the need for proper training and certification of technicians due to the flammable nature of these substances.
“With support from the Multilateral Fund under the Montreal Protocol and in collaboration with UNDP, we have equipped over 20 training centres in cities like Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Kano with modern tools and equipment,” he said.
The aim is to provide RAC technicians with the knowledge and skills to safely handle hydrocarbon refrigerants. Only those who meet set professional and safety criteria will be certified.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce fire risks, align with global standards, and support Nigeria’s transition to environmentally responsible cooling technologies.
Abdullahi also emphasized the Ministry’s continued collaboration with key industry stakeholders, including the National Association of Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Practitioners (NARAP) and organisations like SRADeV Nigeria.
He stressed that the success of Nigeria’s environmental commitments under international agreements depends on strong partnerships between the government, private sector, and professional bodies.
Dr. Leslie Adogame, Executive Director of SRADeV Nigeria, in a goodwill message delivered by Programmes and Project Officer Mr. Olumide Ogunleye, underscored the pivotal role of technicians in the sector’s evolution.
“Technicians play a central role in this transition. Their expertise influences the efficiency, safety, and environmental impact of cooling systems,” he said.
he aim is to provide RAC technicians with the knowledge and skills to safely handle hydrocarbon refrigerants. Only those who meet set professional and safety criteria will be certified.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce fire risks, align with global standards, and support Nigeria’s transition to environmentally responsible cooling technologies.
Abdullahi also emphasized the Ministry’s continued collaboration with key industry stakeholders, including the National Association of Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Practitioners (NARAP) and organisations like SRADeV Nigeria.
He stressed that the success of Nigeria’s environmental commitments under international agreements depends on strong partnerships between the government, private sector, and professional bodies.
Dr. Leslie Adogame, Executive Director of SRADeV Nigeria, in a goodwill message delivered by Programmes and Project Officer Mr. Olumide Ogunleye, underscored the pivotal role of technicians in the sector’s evolution.
“Technicians play a central role in this transition. Their expertise influences the efficiency, safety, and environmental impact of cooling systems,” he said.
He added that the workshop is more than a technical training—it represents a key step in building national capacity and reinforcing Nigeria’s sustainability agenda. Adogame urged the government to integrate certified technicians into policy-making processes and elevate the professionalism of the RAC industry.
Representing the National President of NARAP, Comrade Ahmed Ibrahim, the Secretary-General, Mr. Wasiu Abiodun, said the timing of the certification programme was ideal.
“Our members are fully committed to adopting international best practices and supporting Nigeria’s strategy to eliminate ozone-depleting substances,” Abiodun said, adding that the training reiterates the industry’s emphasis on safety, given the daily handling of flammable and electrical components.
Mr. Okelola Abiodun, NARAP’s Lagos State Coordinator, also hailed the programme, noting that the enhanced training would boost professionalism and compliance with global environmental protocols.
The event concluded with renewed pledges from technicians, government officials, and professional bodies to strengthen collaboration, raise public awareness, and guide Nigeria’s RAC industry toward safe, sustainable, and climate-conscious practices.