UNIDO moves to improve energy efficiency’s, cleaner production

United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), on Thursday, explained efforts in its effort to improve Nigeria’s industrial energy performance to enhance resource efficiency and the country’s quest for cleaner industrial production.

It is also said that cleaner production, which is a preventative environmental management strategy, will systematically reduce overall pollution generation and improves the efficiency of resource usage in Nigeria.

The Country Representative/Regional Director, UNIDO, Mr Jean Bakole, disclosed this in Abuja, during the project steering committee meeting, with the theme: “Improving Nigeria’s Industrial Energy Performance and Resource Efficient Cleaner Production through Programmatic Approaches and the Promotion of Innovation in Clean Technology Solutions”.

Bakole, who was represented by its National Program Coordinator of Environment and Energy, Mr Oluyomi Banjo, observed that UNIDO provided over 48 per cent of employment opportunities in the country.

He said: “This project is coming at the very right time. Because if you realize power generation on the national grid crossed 4,000 megawatts, this is far less than what is really needed to run the country. And even that 4,000 megawatts you see that as a problem lately, with the grid, is getting into the amount of grid keeps collapsing.

“That is why we need energy efficiency. That is why we need clean up production because if we are able to achieve energy efficiency, if we are able to achieve in our production, then we can use this for 4,000 that is presently available to distribute to more consumers than we presently have.

“And that’s when Nigeria’s power will be serving more people. And the power that is available is actually more efficient because it was the same amount before but now that same amount can service more consumers.

“More people can benefit from it, while the government keeps working on increasing the generation and distribution capacity of the country. So this project is actually coming at the right time and that is why it is very important for the Nigerian government and the Nigerian people to support the work we are doing for these projects to be successful.

In his remarks, Global Environment Facility (GEF) Desk Officer in Nigeria, Mr Aleriwon Gbenga Daniel, commended the committee and appeal that they continue to provide the implementation guidance needed to make this project successful in Nigeria.

He said that the project steering committee is set up to reduce emissions and pollution across communities.

Daniel also called on the international community to support the project on Nigeria’s environment sector in achieving the goal.