- Efficient energy management: ECN DG advocates optimising energy use and minimising wastage for sustainable development.
- Industry focus: The initiative targets over 70 food, steel, and textiles industries to boost efficiency and profitability.
- Emission goals: Nigeria aims to reduce emissions by 20% by 2030, with the potential for a 47% reduction if supported internationally.
Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), urged users to adopt balanced energy use and efficient management to reduce wastage and support sustainable development.
During a one-day Energy Management Systems (EnMS) workshop in Abuja, which ECN organised with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Dr Abdullahi emphasised optimising energy consumption and minimising losses. He highlighted the importance of using renewable energy sources.
The workshop, “Improving Nigeria’s Industrial Energy Performance and Resource-Efficient Cleaner Production through Programmatic Approaches and Promotion of Innovation in Clean Technology Solutions,” gathered participants from various ministries, departments, and agencies.
Abdullahi explained that the training equips organisations with tools to improve energy use. “This training helps energy consumers, industrial, commercial, or public, establish policies and procedures for continuous improvement in energy efficiency,” he said.
He emphasised how energy management systems help organisations pinpoint energy wastage and adopt energy-saving technologies, noting that many improvements require little or no capital investment.
Referring to Nigeria’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), Abdullahi reaffirmed the country’s goal to cut emissions by 20% unconditionally by 2030 and by 47% with international support.
UNIDO’s National Programme Coordinator for Environment and Energy, Mr Oluyomi Banjo, addressed the urgent need for industries in emerging economies to adopt sustainable practices. He urged them to reduce energy consumption, environmental damage, and resource depletion.
“Industries account for about one-third of global energy use and almost 40% of carbon emissions,” Banjo stated. He called for immediate changes to curb environmental harm through sustainable practices.
The project builds Nigeria’s industrial expertise and extends its benefits to other African nations. Banjo mentioned a pilot financing scheme running through the Bank of Industry and the development of ISO 50000 and 14001 standards for energy and environmental management led by the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON).
“We plan to support more than 70 industries in key sectors such as food and beverage, wood and furniture, steel and metals, textiles and garments, and petrochemicals,” Banjo noted. He added that they aim to train over 300 Nigerian experts in resource-efficient and cleaner production (RECP) and industrial energy efficiency (IEE).
This initiative will help industries boost efficiency, increase profitability, and meet international standards. It also aims to improve relationships between industries and policymakers.
ECN’s focus on energy management aligns with Nigeria’s broader emission reduction and sustainable development goals. The program’s collaboration with UNIDO equips industries to become more energy-efficient while maintaining profitability.