- The GEF–UNIDO project is partnering with journalists to accelerate the adoption of industrial energy efficiency across Nigeria.
- The initiative aims to improve industrial performance, reduce waste and lower production costs while supporting sustainable economic growth.
The Global Environment Facility–United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (GEF–UNIDO) project has engaged media practitioners to support industrial energy efficiency and cleaner production across Nigeria. The initiative aims to improve industrial energy performance. At the same time, it targets waste reduction and lower environmental impact.
Specifically, the project promotes eco-friendly production methods. As a result, industries can reduce operating costs and improve sustainability performance. In addition, the initiative supports long-term industrial growth across Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
Speaking at a journalists’ workshop in Kano, National Project Coordinator of GEF–UNIDO Nigeria, Oladipo Jaccob, said the project promotes industrial energy efficiency adoption. According to him, energy efficiency measures help industries cut production costs. Furthermore, they help companies improve environmental compliance and competitiveness.
Currently, the intervention operates across 10 industrial hubs nationwide. These include Kano, Kaduna, Lagos, Warri, Delta, Anambra, Aba, Port Harcourt, Edo and Ogun. Therefore, the project targets Nigeria’s major manufacturing clusters to maximise impact and scale.
Importantly, the programme focuses on key industrial sectors. These include wood and furniture, iron and steel, food and beverages, textiles and leather, and petrochemicals. Consequently, the project supports pollution reduction, energy performance improvement, and cost savings across these industries.
Meanwhile, National Technical Coordinator of the IEE–RECP Project, Dr Oluwasegun Oshidipe, said the workshop strengthens journalists’ understanding of sustainability concepts. Specifically, the training helps media professionals understand industrial energy efficiency fundamentals. In turn, this improves public awareness and policy engagement.
He stressed that accurate communication remains critical to project success. For example, strong media understanding ensures that project benefits reach the public clearly. Otherwise, development efforts may fail to achieve full impact.
Similarly, Project Communication Expert, Mrs Mojisola Osiboye, highlighted the media’s accountability role in sustainability reporting. She said journalists must ensure accuracy, consistency, and verification when reporting project outcomes. Therefore, the workshop builds capacity for evidence-based reporting.
She explained that journalists must verify sustainability claims using recognised indicators. In addition, understanding UNIDO sustainability methodologies helps reporters interpret technical results correctly. As a result, journalists can translate complex sustainability concepts into clear public information.
Overall, the engagement shows growing recognition of the media as a strategic partner in industrial sustainability. Ultimately, stronger media participation will support energy efficiency adoption, improve environmental outcomes, and strengthen Nigeria’s industrial competitiveness.