The Federal Government, through its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), has announced plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent below a business-as-usual scenario by 2030 unconditionally, and by 47 per cent if international support is provided.
The director-general of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi disclosed this during an agency-specific hands-on training on Energy Management Systems (EMS) for policymakers in ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs). The training, organised by ECN in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), was held in Abuja under the project titled: “Improving Nigeria’s Industrial Energy Performance and Resource Efficient Cleaner Production through Programmatic Approaches and the Promotion of Innovation in Clean Technology Solutions (NIG IEE/RECP Project).”
The EMS training aims to promote energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption in the industrial sector.
Abdullahi highlighted that achieving the country’s emission reduction targets would require implementing energy efficiency and conservation best practices across various sectors. He noted that key measures include ending gas flaring by 2030 and reducing fugitive methane emissions from oil and gas operations by 60 per cent by 2031.
He further explained that the training is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s National Industrial Energy Efficiency (IEE) Policies and Regulatory Frameworks by promoting the adoption of UNIDO’s Energy Management Systems Standards (EnMS/ESO/ISO 50001) in the country.
“With the rising cost of energy and the environmental impact of energy consumption, it has become crucial to adopt balanced energy usage and effective management strategies to minimise waste. This timely training on Energy Management Systems (EnMS) provides a systematic framework for establishing policies, processes and specific energy-saving tasks that will help organisations meet their energy efficiency targets,” he said.
Abdullahi emphasised that the adoption of energy management systems (EnMS) would enable industrial, commercial and public energy consumers to continuously monitor and manage their energy use efficiently.
“It will assist organisations in identifying areas of energy wastage and discovering opportunities to implement energy-saving technologies. In many cases, these improvements can be achieved through simple housekeeping measures that do not require significant capital investment,” he added.
He noted that the training aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to develop and implement energy management systems, ultimately reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainable development in Nigeria.
Delivering the keynote address, national programme coordinator for Environment and Energy at UNIDO’s sub-regional office hub for Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Oluyomi Banjo stressed the importance of reducing energy consumption, environmental degradation and resource depletion in industries, particularly in emerging economies.
He pointed out that industries account for nearly one-third of total global energy consumption and almost 40 per cent of worldwide CO₂ emissions.
According to Banjo, the NIG IEE/RECP Project is aimed at promoting industrial energy efficiency, resource efficiency and cleaner production in Nigeria. He noted that the project was developed and submitted by UNIDO on behalf of Nigeria in 2017 and was approved for implementation in 2020.
“This is the first time UNIDO is implementing an integrated Industrial Energy Efficiency (IEE) and Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production (RECP) initiative within a single project,” he said.
Banjo emphasised that the project would provide opportunities for Nigerians to be trained as Energy Assessors and RECP experts, which could eventually lead to the establishment of National Cleaner Production Centres in Nigeria. The initiative is also expected to build a strong expert base and enhance industrial efficiency across the country.
“This project will go a long way in addressing critical questions regarding how industries can improve efficiency, increase profitability, operate at international best standards, comply with regulations and maintain improved relationships with policymakers,” Banjo stated.
He further disclosed that a pilot financing scheme for RECP-IEE is currently being executed through the Bank of Industry of Nigeria. Additionally, issues related to ISO 50001 and ISO 14001 certification are being addressed in collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
Banjo expressed optimism that these efforts would support industries in achieving sustainable energy use while boosting Nigeria’s overall environmental and economic performance.
