The Director-General of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mr Sola Obadimu, has emphasised the need to accelerate Nigeria’s transition towards a more energy-efficient, resource-conscious, and environmentally sustainable industrial sector.
 
He noted that Nigeria’s industrial sector accounts for a significant share of national energy consumption, estimated at over 30 per cent, yet operates far below optimal efficiency levels.

Speaking at the Project-Specific Interactive Session and Efficiency Champions Competition under the GEF-UNIDO Industrial Energy Efficiency (IEE) and Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) Project yesterday in Abuja, Obadimu said that studies indicate that energy efficiency improvements in Nigerian industries could deliver savings of between 20 per cent and 40 per cent, translating into reduced competitiveness and lower greenhouse gas emissions production costs.

Obadimu, who was represented by Mr Jungle Fadare, stated that Nigeria generates over 32 million tonnes of solid waste yearly, much of which is industrial and could be significantly reduced through the adoption of cleaner production techniques.

The NACCIMA boss observed that the RECP approach offers a practical pathway not only for environmental sustainability but also for improved profitability and long-term business resilience.

He said: “We are witnessing a shift where markets increasingly favour environmentally responsible production. Access to export markets, especially under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and beyond, is gradually being tied to compliance with sustainability and environmental standards. Nigerian businesses must, therefore, position themselves proactively to remain competitive.

“However, achieving this transition at scale requires deliberate collaboration. The government must continue to provide enabling policies and incentives. Development partners must sustain technical and financial support. And importantly, the private sector must embrace innovation and invest in efficient technologies and processes.”

Obadimu expressed NACCIMA’s commitment to promote a competitive private sector and across its network of over 70 member chambers and trade groups nationwide.