The EU has said that energy efficiency is a catalyst that can directly support Nigeria’s ambitious energy transition plan, commitment to carbon neutrality by 2060, and broaden its climate action plan.
Amb. Gauthier Mignot, of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, stated this on Thursday at the launch of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (ACCI) Energy Efficiency Awareness Campaign, themed “Boost Your Business: Save Energy, Boost Profits.”
Represented by an official, Dr. Frank Okafor, Mignot said that by embracing energy efficiency, Nigeria can reduce consumption and cost, translating into savings for businesses, enhancing their competitiveness and profitability, particularly for MSMEs that often bear the brunt of high operational costs driven by energy costs.
He also said energy efficiency can alleviate pressure on the national grid and help to stabilise power supply, reduce the frequency of outages, and foster a more reliable environment for economic activity.
The Ambassador added that it lowers carbon emissions, stimulates job creation, and innovation.
“The EU has long been a staunch advocate and pioneer in energy efficiency. EU’s journey has demonstrated that robust policies, financial incentives, and public awareness campaigns can yield remarkable results,” he said.
He said that through the Investment Climate Reform (ICR) Facility, the EU has actively supported ACCI in strengthening advocacy for a more conducive business environment.
“As we look ahead, the EU remains deeply committed to supporting Nigeria in its journey towards a sustainable and prosperous future,” he said.
In an address of welcome at the occasion, ACCI’s President, Dr. Emeka Obegolu, restated the commitment of the chamber to promoting sustainable business practices, enhancing operational efficiency, and empowering enterprises, especially small and medium-sized businesses to thrive through smarter energy use.
Obegolu noted that one of the most pressing challenges facing businesses was access to reliable and affordable electricity, adding that with the initiative, the ACCI aimed to create an enabling environment where businesses could thrive through smart energy use.
He, therefore, sought the collaboration of stakeholders, government agencies, international development partners, private sector players, and civil society organisations, in building an ecosystem where every Nigerian business, no matter the size, has access to sustainable energy solutions.
“As we embark on this journey, let us remember: the decisions we make today will shape the future of our economy and our environment. Let us choose to empower our businesses through smarter energy practices. As the campaign unfolds, we hope that Nigerian entrepreneurs will seize this opportunity to adopt green energy solutions and boost their productivity.
“Together, let us build a future where Nigerian businesses thrive, not despite sustainability, but because of it,” he said.
The campaign is spearheaded by the ACCI’s National Policy Advocacy Centre (NPAC).
In his his remarks, Dr. Agabaidu Jideani, ACCI Director-General, and Chairman, NPAC, said the objectives of the campaign include educating SMEs on the economic and environmental benefits of energy efficiency, promoting of renewable energy, particularly solar power, as a viable and cost-effective alternative, encouraging the adoption of practical, energy-saving technologies, and fostering economic growth through responsible, energy-smart business practices.
Commenting, the Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, said the commission would work with the National Advocacy Centre of the ACCI towards achieving the objective of promoting energy efficiency best practices.
Abdullahi said the nation shall adopt and promote energy efficiency and best practices in exploration and utilisation of energy resources with the objective to guarantee energy accesss for all at appropriate costs and in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.
