The Abia State Government, on Thursday, reiterated its commitment to environmental sustainability, technological innovation, and industrial development as it joined refrigeration and air-conditioning professionals across the country to mark the 2026 Nigerian Association of Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Practitioners (NARAP) Day in Aba.
The event, which held at Hotel Terminus, Aba, was the third edition of the Association’s annual celebration and attracted industry practitioners, stakeholders, and representatives of relevant government agencies.
Discussions centered on professional development, climate change, environmental sustainability, and emerging trends in refrigeration and cooling technologies.
The Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, who represented Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to policies that promote environmental protection while driving economic growth.
In his keynote address, the Commissioner noted that the objectives of NARAP align closely with the environmental agenda of the Abia State Government. He commended the Association for its partnership with the National Ozone Office of the Federal Ministry of Environment in promoting environmentally responsible refrigeration practices and reducing the use of ozone-depleting substances.
Ogbonna also challenged the Association to establish a technical working group dedicated to the design and production of world-class, 100 percent Made-in-Nigeria refrigerators and air-conditioning systems. According to him, such an initiative would boost local manufacturing, create employment opportunities, reduce dependence on imported products, and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He assured members of the Association of the Abia State Government’s readiness to support credible initiatives aimed at promoting indigenous technological innovation and strengthening the state’s industrial base.
Earlier, officials of NARAP expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for the warm reception accorded participants and commended the administration for the significant infrastructural improvements and enhanced business environment in Abia State. They noted that these developments influenced the Association’s decision to host the 2026 edition of its annual celebration in Aba.
