The third yearly workshop on the ECOWAS Energy Information System will enhance energy data management and integration across the sub-region. Holding from February 25 to 28 in Lagos, the four-day event, which brings together representatives from ECOWAS member states, ECOWAS specialised energy agencies (WAPP, ECREEE) and ECOWAS Directorate of Energy and Mines, reinforces member-states’ capacity and improves the quality of energy data at national and regional levels.
The objective is to address challenges in gathering energy statistics on supply, usage and availability in West Africa. The ECOWAS Energy Information System (ECOWAS-EIS) was launched on March 24, 2023, in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, to ensure reliable data collection, storage and dissemination.
The bloc developed the digital platform to guide policymakers, investors and researchers with accurate energy information.The Director of Energy and Mines at the ECOWAS Commission, Dabire Bayaornibè, highlighted the progress made in harmonising energy data collection.
He noted that before the implementation of the ECOWAS-EIS, several member-states lacked access to comprehensive energy information, as again now that data on electricity access, energy production and consumption, energy infrastructure and energy efficiency are available, enabling effective monitoring and planning.
“In previous years, several member-states struggled to track energy usage and outages. Today, through ECOWAS-EIS, we are improving access to accurate data, enhancing national energy information systems, and strengthening regional integration,” he said.
Nigeria set an example by launching its National Energy Information System (NEIS) in October 2024, following support from the ECOWAS Commission through the development of the computerised data collection system and training of national actors. The system provides real-time energy data, aiding the government and private sector in decision-making.
Bayaornibè stated that ECOWAS aims to replicate Nigeria’s success across other member-states. Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, represented by the Director of Energy Utilisation and Management, Mohammed Adam Mundu, described the workshop as a crucial step in consolidating three years of effort towards a unified ECOWAS Energy Information System.
“The first workshop, held in Accra, Ghana, in 2022, provided an assessment of our energy information system. Côte d’Ivoire hosted the second edition in 2023, leading to improvements in data quality. This third workshop in Lagos now focuses on consolidating our progress and expanding the system across member-states,” he said.
