ECN, UNIDO, others to boost Nigeria’s industrial energy performance

In a major push towards industrial energy efficiency, the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), convened a technical review meeting to refine key documents under the GEF-UNIDO Project.

The project, ‘Improving Nigeria’s Industrial Energy Performance and Resource Efficient Cleaner Production through Programmatic Approaches and the Promotion of Innovation in Clean Technology Solutions,’ aims to enhance energy efficiency in Nigeria’s industrial sector – a crucial step toward sustainability, economic growth and climate action.

The Guardian reports that the meeting brought together government officials, industry leaders and technical experts to review three vital outputs: the Compendium of Industrial Energy Efficiency Policies and Regulations, Training Manual on Energy Management Systems (EnMS) and Industrial Energy Efficiency Database (IEEDb).

The event underscored the importance of energy efficiency in Nigeria’s industrial sector, a key driver of the country’s economic development and environmental sustainability goals.

Key agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Federal
Ministry of Power, Bank of Industry, the National Council on Climate Change and Nigeria Investment
Promotion Council, participated in the meeting.

In his remarks, Acting Director, Energy Transition and Linkages Department at ECN, Dr. Shehu Mustafa stressed the urgent need for sustainable energy practices in Nigeria’s industrial sector.

He noted that improving energy efficiency is critical for the country’s industrial competitiveness and aligns with the country’s global environmental commitments.

During the session, stakeholders proposed several amendments to ensure the document remained comprehensive and up to date. One key addition was the Nigeria Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategy (LT-LEDS), a framework guiding the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

Participants also recommended including all relevant regulatory bodies, such as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the National Energy Management Agency (NEMSA), to ensure a holistic approach to energy governance.

A significant highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the Training Manual on Energy Management Systems (EnMS) by Industrial Energy Efficiency Project Consultant, Engr. Okon Ekpenyong. Designed to help public and private organisations adopt best energy management practices, the manual serves as a key resource for implementing ISO 50001 standards, a globally recognised framework for energy efficiency.