The European Union (EU), in collaboration with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), has initiated two Energy Efficiency Networks (EEN) in Kano State to promote energy efficiency.
These initiatives, which seek to support Kano State—Northern Nigeria’s commercial and industrial hub—in addressing the energy challenges impacting the state’s economic growth and social development, will promote inclusive growth and strengthen the energy transition efforts of the Nigerian Government.
Speaking during the official launch of the networks, Team Leader, Green and Digital Economy, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Inga Stefanowicz, noted that while Kano State is a big hub of economic activity and manufacturing, it experiences energy deficits, which are great impediments to the performance and productivity of businesses and manufacturers in the state.
To address this challenge, she stated that the EU is partnering with the state to address these challenges.
“The EU in Nigeria has been engaging and partnering with Nigeria for many years to address energy and electrification deficits, especially in view of the socioeconomic development of the country,” she said.
Highlighting the importance of improving energy efficiency, Stefanowicz said, “We focus on renewable energy primarily here in the state, and we have had some achievements in terms of solar power and additional capacities. Now, we are looking at the hydro sector in Kano State.
“There is great work to be done in energy efficiency in reducing the cost for manufacturers and businesses, reducing greenhouse emissions, and improving the environment. Saving and improving energy efficiency is as important as working to install new energy capacities. This is what the Nigeria Energy Support Programme (NESP) has been doing for years now.”
Earlier in his address of welcome, the Commissioner for Investment, Commerce, Industry and Cooperative, Kano State, Shehu Sagagi, said the initiative is timely in addressing longstanding issues for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that often face overcharging for unused energy.
SMEs, he noted, struggle with energy efficiency, impacting their operations and bottom line, adding that the initiative’s potential inclusion of electrician training would help address the shortage of qualified professionals in this field.
Sagagi stated: “In Kano, we need improved access to electricity. We currently need about 1,000MW of electricity and what we can provide is far below. Most companies, therefore, opt for generating their own power.”
In his remarks, the GIZ Country Director for Nigeria and ECOWAS, Markus Wagner, who was represented by Joshua Yari, Implementation Manager, GIZ, said:
“Germany has long recognised the importance of energy efficiency in enhancing the economic competitiveness of industries in the global market. These efforts align perfectly with Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, which, among other things, aims at doubling the rate of improvement in energy efficiency by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2060.”
The Director General, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Olusola Obadimu, noted that the launch of the Energy Efficiency Network is crucial for boosting industrial productivity, reducing costs, and promoting sustainable growth.
He said Nigerian industries, especially MSMEs, face challenges like high energy costs and unstable power supply, which hinder output and competitiveness.
The Energy Efficiency Network, he added, will enable industries to share best practices, access technical expertise, and develop solutions to improve energy management.
During his keynote address, Director General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Segun Ajayi-Kadir, who was represented by Director, Research and Economic Policy Division, Oluwasegun Ogundipe, described the launch as a bold initiative and laudable step towards promoting a more sustainable, resilient, and energy-smart future for Nigeria.
