The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has urged Nigeria to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient technologies across key sectors to reduce costs, improve productivity and strengthen energy security. JICA’s Chief Representative in Nigeria, Mr Ishigame Keiji, made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at a two-day national workshop on energy efficiency and conservation organised by JICA and the Energy Commission of Nigeria.
The workshop was themed “Accelerating Energy Efficiency and Conservation in Nigeria: From Policy to Implementation, Regulation and Measurable Impact”.
Keiji said energy efficiency should be treated as a major source of affordable energy, noting that the cheapest unit of energy was one that did not have to be produced. He said adopting efficient technologies in buildings, industries, transportation and appliances could reduce energy costs and improve productivity, while citing Japan’s experience as an example of the role of energy efficiency in economic growth and industrial competitiveness.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Udeh, represented by the Director of Technology Acquisition and Adaptation, Mr Michael Anpe, said smart energy systems, artificial intelligence and digital monitoring tools were transforming energy management globally.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, said industrial energy expenditure in Nigeria ran into trillions of naira annually, with a significant portion spent on self-generated diesel power.
Prof. Abubakar Sambo, in a keynote address, called for stronger enforcement of energy-efficiency standards for appliances entering the country, including greater coordination between the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the Nigeria Customs Service.
Mrs Fatima Sheji, representing the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, described energy efficiency as important to national development and urged the Energy Commission to support the implementation and expansion of the workshop’s outcomes across the country.
