By Folarin Kehinde

United States-based cooling technology manufacturer, Unico Incorporated, has entered the Nigerian market, targeting opportunities in the country’s fast-growing air conditioning and construction sectors projected to generate about $2.5 billion in annual sales.

Speaking at the official launch of Unico Cooling Systems in Abuja, Owner and Director of Unico Incorporated, Scott Intagliata, said Nigeria was selected as the company’s entry point into Africa because of its growing demand for cooling solutions and expanding real estate sector.

According to him, the company is investing in local distribution infrastructure and plans to commence full-scale operations within the next few months.

“Nigeria is one of the fastest-growing construction markets in the world and also one of the fastest-growing air conditioning markets. Over the next year, it is estimated that about $2.5 billion worth of air conditioning products will be sold in Nigeria, and we believe the opportunity here is outstanding,” he said.

Intagliata disclosed that the company has appointed a country manager and is establishing a warehouse in Lagos to support product availability and after-sales services.

“We are currently preparing two containers of equipment in the United States for shipment to Nigeria. The warehouse facility in Lagos will serve as our distribution hub as we expand operations,” he stated.

The Unico executive noted that despite being positioned as a premium brand globally, the company has adopted a market-entry pricing strategy tailored to local realities.

“We have carried out extensive price analysis and are prepared to compete directly with leading brands already operating in Nigeria. We want to meet the Nigerian market where it is while maintaining profitability,” he said.

He further highlighted energy efficiency as a key selling point, noting that rising electricity costs and climate concerns are driving demand for cooling technologies that reduce energy consumption.

According to him, Unico’s small-duct, high-velocity cooling systems record thermal losses of less than two per cent, significantly below the 10 to 20 per cent losses associated with conventional ducted systems.

Speaking on the company’s African expansion strategy, Country Manager for Western Africa, Ikechukwu Nkpozi, said Nigeria would serve as the regional headquarters for future expansion into other African markets.

“We are starting from Nigeria because of the huge market potential. We already have distributors in Lagos and Abuja and are currently engaging additional partners to expand our reach across the country,” he said.

Nkpozi added that the company intends to leverage Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest economy to deepen market penetration across the continent.

“We see Nigeria as the gateway to Africa. After consolidating our presence here, we will move into other African countries with the same product offerings,” he added.

Also speaking, Business Development Manager of WorldProNet Nigeria, Florence Osuji, said the company was seeking distributors, marketers and investors interested in participating in the rollout of the cooling technology.

“We are opening opportunities for distributors and promoters across Nigeria as we build a nationwide network for the product,” she said.