Report by ABDULLAHI JALALUDDEEN; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
The European Union, in partnership with the Kano State Government, has launched Energy Efficiency Networks in Kano as part of the Nigeria Energy Support Program (NESP).
Speaking during the Launching ceremony, Head of Green and Digital Economy Section, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Inga Stefanowicz highlighted the strategic importance of Kano State as a vibrant commercial and industrial hub in Northern Nigeria.
She said the state presents a vital opportunity to scale energy efficiency practices and unlock its economic potential in a sustainable way.
The Head of Green and Digital Economy Section said the European Union and the German Government have been providing technical support to the Nigerian Government through the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP).
“The program aims to create an enabling environment and foster investments in the domestic market for renewable energy, energy efficiency, and rural electrification.
“The initiative aims to promote energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption in industries, thereby contributing to sustainable industrial development.”
She maintained that the EEN initiative has already shown significant benefits in the southwest region, where three networks were established in 2020.
” The participating companies have recorded over N5 billion in cost savings within 15 months, implemented dozens of energy-saving measures, and activated industry-wide learning.”
Inga Stefanowicz added that the success of the EEN initiative is attributed to the collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA).
The Director General of the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN), Segun Ajayi Kadri, represented by Dr. Oluwa Segun, commended the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) for its initiative to launch Energy Efficiency Networks in Kano.
He highlighted the challenges faced by manufacturers due to inadequate energy supply and the need for energy efficiency measures.
The Director General emphasized the need for energy efficiency measures to reduce energy consumption and costs.
The Commissioner for Investment, Commerce, Industry, and Cooperatives, Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi, expressed gratitude to the European Union and the German Cooperation for their initiative to promote energy efficiency in Kano State.
He pledged the state government’s commitment to working with the European Union and the German Cooperation to promote energy efficiency and support industrial development.
