As Nigeria faces mounting pressure to reduce its energy costs and cut emissions, the government is stepping up efforts to regulate the amount of power that everyday appliances consume.
The National Sustainable Cooling Project (NSCP) has confirmed that minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for air conditioners will be fully enforced starting in 2026 to boost energy efficiency nationwide.
Speaking on Channels Television as part of a public sensitisation drive, the national coordinator of the NSCP, Etiosa Uyigue explained that introducing MEPS will ensure that appliances such as air conditioners meet clear efficiency requirements that limit unnecessary energy waste. The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) will oversee the enforcement, ensuring that only compliant products reach consumers.
Uyigue described this move as critical for managing the country’s strained power supply, noting that Nigeria’s current generation capacity still falls short of the needs of its growing population. By regulating inefficient appliances out of the market and guiding people towards energy-saving models, the government hopes to reduce the overall electricity burden and help stabilise the grid.
He said that an important part of the plan involves clear energy labels, which will inform households and businesses about the efficiency level of each product before purchase. He added that this transparency will allow buyers to make smart choices that save money on electricity bills over time.
According to him, energy efficiency simply means delivering the same level of service with less power. He pointed out that this concept, when applied at scale, frees up more electricity for other uses and directly reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Uyigue noted that the MEPS initiative, officially titled “Scaling Up Energy Efficient and Climate-Friendly Cooling in Nigeria,” is designed to push the country towards climate-friendly cooling solutions. He explained that switching to better air conditioners and reducing the use of old, energy-draining units will cut waste and protect the environment.
He said phasing out inefficient products will happen gradually. Outdated appliances and refrigerants with high global warming potential will be replaced with modern options that comply with the new standards.
To help manufacturers and consumers track progress, he explained that two key benchmarks will be used to measure air conditioner efficiency: the seasonal efficiency ratio and the energy efficiency ratio.
Uyigue called on all Nigerians to join efforts to fight greenhouse gas emissions and to see energy efficiency as a shared responsibility for a healthier planet and a more affordable power future.
