The Federal Government has stated that the newly approved Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for air conditioners will provide significant economic and environmental benefits for the nation.
The director-general of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi disclosed this at a stakeholders’ workshop in Abuja. The event, organised by ECN in partnership with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Clean Cooling Collaborative (CCC), aimed to showcase the achievements of an ongoing project on energy-efficient cooling and present the details of the newly approved air conditioning MEPS.
Abdullahi highlighted that the MEPS for air conditioners will lead to substantial energy savings, reduced energy demand and improved access to electricity. He explained that since 2022, ECN has been implementing a project titled Scaling up Energy-Efficient and Climate-Friendly Cooling in Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Revision. The project seeks to accelerate the use of energy-efficient air conditioners with climate-friendly refrigerants in residential, commercial and public buildings, aligning with Nigeria’s climate targets.
According to him, public awareness is essential to ensure the successful implementation of the new standards. He stressed that manufacturers, importers, and regulatory bodies need to be informed about the new energy efficiency requirements to ensure compliance. The workshop, he explained, was a platform to present these standards, discuss achievements and introduce recommendations for a Waste Management Mechanism for air conditioners and domestic refrigerators.
The workshop underscored the importance of collaboration, with Abdullahi acknowledging the contributions of SON, the National Ozone Office of the Federal Ministry of Environment, and UNEP. He also expressed gratitude for the financial backing provided by CCC and the technical assistance offered by UNEP.
In his welcome speech, the acting director of energy transition and linkages at ECN, Dr. Shehu Mustafa elaborated on the project’s objectives. He stated that the workshop aimed to highlight the milestones achieved since the project’s inception, formally introduce the new MEPS to key stakeholders and discuss sustainable disposal mechanisms for outdated air conditioning units and refrigerators. He emphasised that these efforts are aligned with Nigeria’s broader goals of enhancing energy efficiency, promoting climate-friendly cooling solutions and advancing sustainable energy access.
Mustafa urged stakeholders to work together to make a tangible impact on Nigeria’s energy sector. He stressed that the success of this initiative would help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and drive sustainable economic growth. He added that the decisions made at the workshop would shape the future of air conditioning and refrigeration standards in Nigeria, ensuring compliance with global best practices.
Speaking on behalf of UNEP, climate mitigation recycling expert, Jose Carbajosa highlighted the project’s overarching goal of accelerating the use of energy-efficient air conditioners with environmentally friendly refrigerants. He explained that aligning with Nigeria’s NDC commitments was central to the project’s implementation strategy. Since its launch, the project has achieved significant milestones, particularly the revision and approval of the new MEPS for air conditioners.
Carbajosa revealed that with these new standards, Nigeria is projected to save approximately 11.5 terawatt-hours (TWh) of energy annually by 2040. He described this as a game-changer for the African continent, positioning Nigeria as a regional leader in energy-efficient cooling solutions. He noted that this transition would not only lower electricity costs for consumers but also contribute significantly to achieving Nigeria’s climate targets cost-effectively and sustainably.
He commended ECN and SON for their commitment to improving energy efficiency and promoting the use of low-global-warming-potential refrigerants. According to him, these efforts would yield substantial environmental and climate benefits.
The director-general of SON, Dr. Okeke Ifeanyi, represented by the group head, electrical electronics, Engr. Lawal Ismaila, reiterated SON’s role in developing product and service standards, including energy performance benchmarks for air conditioners. He explained that SON collaborates with relevant government agencies to ensure that energy standards are periodically reviewed and updated in line with government policies and international best practices.
He noted that the approval of the MEPS marks a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to promote energy efficiency and environmental protection. By ensuring that all air conditioners meet specific energy-saving criteria, the standard will help reduce electricity consumption, lower household and business energy costs, and support Nigeria’s broader climate goals.
As part of its ongoing commitment to energy efficiency, SON has been working to develop and implement new regulations to improve air conditioning performance. Ifeanyi emphasised that adopting international best practices would ensure that Nigeria remains at the forefront of energy efficiency advancements.
The newly approved MEPS are expected to deliver multiple benefits. In terms of energy management, the standards will encourage the adoption of energy-efficient air conditioners, reducing electricity consumption nationwide. Environmentally, the use of ozone-friendly refrigerants will minimise the ecological impact of air conditioners, helping Nigeria meet its climate obligations. Additionally, the economic benefits of the MEPS include job creation in the energy sector, as well as cost savings for consumers and businesses due to reduced energy bills.
Stakeholders at the workshop agreed that implementing the MEPS effectively requires collaboration among government agencies, manufacturers, and consumers. Public awareness campaigns will play a crucial role in educating Nigerians about the benefits of energy-efficient cooling solutions. Enforcement mechanisms must also be put in place to ensure that only compliant air conditioners are sold in the market.
The Federal Government’s commitment to energy efficiency through the approval of the MEPS for air conditioners is a major milestone. With proper implementation, these standards will drive economic growth, promote sustainable energy use and position Nigeria as a leader in climate-friendly cooling solutions in Africa.
