Rising urban heat, power gaps spur Nigeria’s first HVACR industry expo

Lagos will host the maiden edition of HVACR Nigeria from April 7–9, 2026, as stakeholders gather to explore opportunities in the country’s growing heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) market.

The exhibition, organised by dmg events and endorsed by the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and ASHRAE Region-at-Large (RAL), will take place at the Landmark Centre.

“Nigeria’s HVACR is projected to grow at an annual rate of 8.78% between 2025-29. Supporting this ambition, HVACR Nigeria… will host its inaugural edition from 7-9 April 2026,” the organisers said.

The event is expected to attract over 2,000 participants, including manufacturers, engineers, contractors and developers, with more than 35 companies from over 10 countries participating.

Organisers said rising urbanisation, expanding construction and persistent power challenges are driving demand for efficient cooling and ventilation systems across Nigeria.

Nabil Shahin, managing director of AHRI, said the industry must adapt to emerging changes.

“The transition to next-generation refrigerants, improved energy efficiency and decarbonization present both challenges and opportunities for the HVACR industry in Nigeria… HVACR Nigeria will be an ideal gathering… to help shape a more efficient and sustainable industry,” he said.

Similarly, Bassel Anbari, director and regional chair of ASHRAE Region-at-Large, noted Nigeria’s importance in the sector.

“Nigeria is one of Africa’s fastest-growing markets for HVACR… We see this as a strategic step toward building a more capable and better-informed HVACR industry in the region,” he said.

The exhibition will showcase solutions across air conditioning, refrigeration, heating, ventilation, air quality and building automation.

It will also feature HVACR Talks, a series of CPD-certified sessions focusing on energy-efficient cooling, refrigerant compliance, workforce development, and the use of smart controls and automation.

Josine Heijmans, senior vice president at dmg events, said the event responds to growing market demand.

“Nigeria is the largest economy in West Africa… HVACR Nigeria is built around that reality, offering a focused environment where the international supply chain meets local industry around active projects and real procurement needs,” she said.

Taofeek Oyedokun

Taofeek Oyedokun is a correspondent at BusinessDay with years of experience reporting on political economy, public policy, migration, environment/climate change, and social justice. A graduate of Political Science from the University of Lagos, he has also earned multiple professional certificates in journalism and media-related training. Known for his clear, data-driven reporting, Oyedokun covers a wide range of national and international socioeconomic issues, bringing depth, balance, and public-interest focus to his work.