The director of inspection and enforcement at the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Dr. Christopher Beka, has announced Nigeria’s readiness to ramp up its renewable energy capacity.
The move is geared towards ensuring the successful implementation of the extended producer responsibility (EPR) initiative and deploying off-grid energy systems, especially in rural areas.
Beka made the statement during the Federal-Level Capacity Building Training 1 & 2 on the Joint Data Monitoring System for the Management of Used Off-Grid Renewable Energy Equipment (OGREE). The event was organised by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) with funding from the European Union (EU), in collaboration with NESREA and the Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv). The initiative falls under the project titled “Promoting Small Hydropower Development and Circular Economy Approaches in Nigeria,” specifically the sub-component “Advancing Nigeria’s Green and Just Transition to Net Zero through Circular Economy Practices,” held in Abuja.
The training is designed to equip federal and state institutions with the technical expertise and tools needed to track, manage and report data related to off-grid renewable energy waste. This is vital for the successful implementation of the EPR scheme and supports Nigeria’s transition to a sustainable energy future.
Beka noted that the country is rapidly scaling up off-grid renewable energy solutions to address electricity access gaps, particularly in underserved rural communities. However, he stressed that scaling up renewable energy infrastructure without planning for its waste lifecycle would pose future environmental threats.
“While off-grid systems help us meet energy and climate goals, they will eventually reach end-of-life. Used solar panels, batteries and electronics, if not properly managed, can threaten environmental and human health,” he said.
He emphasised that NESREA is committed to ensuring sustainability not just at the federal level but also at the subnational level. Effective waste management must be inclusive of both levels to be truly impactful.
Speaking on the environmental benefits, Beka noted that recycling renewable energy waste reduces environmental hazards and creates economic opportunities by recovering valuable materials. He highlighted that data collection and analysis play a crucial role in enhancing regulatory processes and enabling informed interventions.
“If you collect good data and ask the right questions, the potential is limitless. One analyst with accurate data can drive interventions, compliance monitoring, and enforcement actions,” Beka added.
Also speaking at the event, the national programme officer for UNIDO’s sub-regional office in Abuja, Dr. Osuji Otu stated that the training aims to boost data management capacity for both federal and state-level actors. He explained that such capacity is essential for tracking off-grid renewable energy equipment, especially as Nigeria embraces a circular economy approach.
He noted that through the EPR framework, data collection enables producers to trace and manage waste materials and apply circular economy principles to recycle these materials into reusable items.
“If not well-managed, imported renewable energy equipment such as batteries and panels could lead to significant environmental degradation. Without a proper waste management framework, these items often end up in unregulated dumpsites, causing pollution and health hazards,” Otu said.
He further explained that effective data management is essential not only for tracking imports and waste generation but also for enabling responsible disposal. According to him, proper waste management holds significant potential for job creation and wealth generation.
In his remarks, deputy director at the Federal Ministry of Environment and project lead at the ministry, Dr. Levinus Nwankwo underscored the importance of data in shaping Nigeria’s green economy. He said reliable data enables the country to monitor the lifecycle of renewable energy equipment and helps identify gaps in waste tracking, recycling, and safe disposal practices.
Nwankwo noted that Nigeria’s EPR programme requires accurate data on waste generation, recycling processes, and final disposal. He explained that data-driven approaches are essential for optimizing recycling strategies, minimising harm to the environment and meeting international sustainability benchmarks.
“By leveraging digital tools and investing in robust data systems, we can build a green economy that is environmentally responsible, economically viable and aligned with global climate objectives,” he added.
A legal expert from BlackForest Solutions (BFS), Federica Del Llano Toro outlined details of the project’s timeline and goals. She stated that the project is set to run for 36 months, starting in December 2023 and ending in November 2026.
She explained that the overall objective is to improve access to sustainable energy solutions through the promotion of small hydropower and the application of circular economy principles. This approach aims to combat environmental pollution and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
“The specific expected outcome is to improve the management of used off-grid renewable energy equipment through circular economy practices that reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions associated with the end-of-life stage of these devices,” she said.
Toro emphasised that an integrated system for tracking and managing waste will support regulatory oversight and foster innovation in recycling methods, promoting local industries that can derive value from discarded energy components.
The project’s comprehensive approach aims to bridge the gap between energy access and environmental sustainability. By creating systems that are not only green but also circular, the initiative seeks to ensure that the transition to renewable energy is inclusive, equitable, and resilient.
As Nigeria accelerates its efforts to meet renewable energy targets and climate commitments, the ability to manage the by-products of green technologies becomes increasingly crucial. With the backing of international partners like the EU and UNIDO, as well as the commitment of national agencies like NESREA and the Federal Ministry of Environment, the country is taking bold steps to build a cleaner and more sustainable future.
