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Tag: ECN

  • Delta to reconstruct ECN road, boost urban mobility — Oborevwori

    Delta to reconstruct ECN road, boost urban mobility — Oborevwori

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has unveiled plans to reconstruct the ECN Road which cuts across Udu and Ughelli South Local Government Areas of Delta state, citing persistent complaints over its deplorable condition and the daily hardships faced by residents, commuters and businesses along the corridor.

    The Governor spoke on Friday at Orhuwhorun in Udu Local Government Area during the 50th and 19th memorial celebration of late Chief and Madam Palama Akporhierayen, assuring that the project would be executed to standard and delivered within a clearly defined timeline.

     He said the reconstruction aligns with his administration’s MORE Agenda, which prioritises quality infrastructure to drive security, commerce and improved quality of life.

    “There is no local government where I don’t have leaders. You cannot say because you are a governor that you are all in all. No. You must be loyal to your people because we are only serving them,” Oborevwori said, stressing servant leadership anchored on humility, accountability and loyalty to the electorate.

    The ECN Road is a strategic artery linking Udu and Ughelli South Local Government Areas. It provides access to the Ujewu Terminal of the Warri–Itakpe rail line and connects key communities including Aladja and Ovwian, hosts to the Delta Steel Company, as well as Iwhrekan and Otu-Jeremi, home to the Utorogu Gas Plant, West Africa’s biggest gas facility. Other communities served by the road include Ubogo, Egini and Owhrode.

    The Nation had reported last October on the deplorable state of the busy Otor-Udu/ECN Road, with road users lamenting severe deterioration around Ovwian Grammar School, Ujewu, Otu-Jeremi, Ekakpamre and Iwhrekan sections. Traders and transport operators said flooding and potholes had disrupted business, damaged vehicles and increased transport fares.

    Reacting earlier, the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, said the government was aware of the situation, noting: “Weeping may tarry over the night… But joy comes in the morning. His Excellency is not unaware of the present state of the road and is only waiting for the rains to abate.”

  • ECN DG commends Tinubu’s energy reforms, calls for public support

    ECN DG commends Tinubu’s energy reforms, calls for public support

    The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as well-conceived energy reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, urging Nigerians to support the President to ensure their full implementation.

    Dr Abdullahi said the initiatives have continued to positively impact Nigerians and reposition the country on the path of sustainable development.

    In his New Year message to Nigerians, the ECN boss stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visionary Renewed Hope Agenda aims to reposition Nigeria and restore its glory and bring it back to its enviable position as a country of destination to both local and international investors and the investment community.

    He added that the agenda is gradually becoming the driving point for Nigerians seeking a better country and society.

    Dr Abdullahi noted that President Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring access to renewable and sustainable energy across the country has led to the revival of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, which he said had previously been neglected.

    According to him, “President Tinubu’s well thought-out plans to ensure that all Nigerians get access to renewable energy and sustainable energy supply to their homes and offices birthed the reawakening of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, ECN, which had been pushed to a near comatose state.”

    He further said the President’s strong belief in his policies is driving wide-ranging reforms in the energy sector. 

    “His ambitious and unshaken belief in his policies is spearheading transformative reforms and innovative initiatives to advance the nation’s energy transition,” he said.

    He added that the reforms are aimed at unlocking economic growth, promoting sustainable development and improving energy access nationwide.

    Dr Abdullahi also highlighted President Tinubu’s role as Chairman of the ECN, noting that President Tinubu remains deeply committed to driving the Energy Transition Plan, a core component of his Renewed Hope Agenda. 

    He explained that the President’s leadership underscores the importance of clean energy and strategic reforms in building a resilient energy sector.

    Describing the reforms as a clear signal of Nigeria’s global ambitions, he said, “This commitment is a firm exposition of Nigeria’s ambition to become a global leader in sustainable energy solutions while fostering economic progress and environmental stewardship.”

    He however called on Nigerians to rally behind the President.

    He said, “For this enviable and laudable project to be fully realised, Nigerians need to ensure that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu enjoys their total support to see it actualised.”

  • ECN commences 7MW solar power project at Aminu Kano teaching hospital

    ECN commences 7MW solar power project at Aminu Kano teaching hospital

    The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has commenced a 7MW solar power project at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH). 

    The project, according to ECN Director General, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, is a landmark intervention designed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply for one of Nigeria’s foremost healthcare institutions.

    This project is the outcome of ECN’s comprehensive energy audit and strategic planning, which exposed the unsustainable cost of diesel and the risks associated with AKTH’s dependence on the national grid. 

    Working in close collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology under the Minister, Chief Uche Nnaji, ECN planned and executed the project to secure the hospital’s energy future.

    Abdullahi said the timing of this intervention could not be more crucial. 

    He recalled only days ago, AKTH suffered prolonged power outages that tragically claimed lives in its Intensive Care Unit. 

    Read Also: Tinubu reappoints Abba Sheshe as Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital’s CMD

    He said: “That painful incident has strengthened our resolve. With this solar installation, we are ensuring that such tragedies are prevented in the future and that critical medical services can operate without fear of disruption.

    “This project is a clear demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in action and reflects the ECN’s commitment to make Nigeria’s energy transition people-centered, where hospitals, schools, and other essential institutions thrive on reliable, clean, and sustainable power.”

     Abdullahi reaffirmed ECN’s commitment to continued deployment of innovative energy solutions nationwide. 

    According to him: “This is not just about powering institutions; it is about saving lives, restoring confidence, and securing a brighter future for Nigerians.”

  • UNIDO, ECN drive industrial energy efficiency in Kaduna 

    UNIDO, ECN drive industrial energy efficiency in Kaduna 

    The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), is advancing its Global Environment Facility (GEF) project aimed at improving energy efficiency and promoting clean technologies in Nigerian industries.

    During a  Technical Working Group visit to Kaduna State, the team introduced Industrial Energy Efficiency (IEE) measures to FaLGates Foods Limited and other manufacturers. 

    The initiative, titled “Improving Nigeria’s Industrial Energy Performance & Resource Efficient Cleaner Production through Programmatic Approaches & Promotion of Innovation in Clean Technology Solutions,” focuses on reducing energy consumption and enhancing environmental performance.

    At a kickoff review meeting, IEE Consultant for ECN/UNIDO, Engr. Okon Ekpenyong, emphasised the role of energy management systems in cutting industrial costs and boosting competitiveness. 

    “Energy is a major component of production costs. Reducing energy use not only lowers bills but also improves product pricing and environmental sustainability,” he said.

    Ekpenyong highlighted that the project is being monitored by several agencies, including the Ministries of Environment and Power, the ECN, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria. 

    He also revealed a partnership with the Bank of Industry to offer financial support to participating companies.

    A key element of the project involves building a national database for energy use and cost tracking. This data will help industries monitor consumption, identify inefficiencies, and make informed decisions.

    FaLGates Foods General Manager, Engr. Sanusi Abdulhamid, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative. 

    He noted that the company spends up to N60 million monthly on energy and sees the programme as a path to substantial savings.

     “We plan to start with energy audits and implement improvements in phases, beginning with our office buildings,” he said.

  • ECN unveils achievements at stakeholders’ workshop, introduces new energy standards

    ECN unveils achievements at stakeholders’ workshop, introduces new energy standards

    The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) convened a high-level Stakeholders’ Workshop to showcase the remarkable progress of its ongoing initiative on energy-efficient and climate-friendly cooling solutions. 

    The event also served as a landmark moment to unveil Nigeria’s newly approved Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for air conditioners.

    Director-General of ECN Dr Mustapha Abdullahi highlighted the workshop’s significance in driving Nigeria’s sustainable energy agenda.

    “The Energy Commission of Nigeria, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and with financial backing from the Clean Cooling Collaborative (CCC), has been spearheading the Scaling up Energy-Efficient and Climate-Friendly Cooling project since 2022. 

    Read Also: ECN, UNIDO, key stakeholders strengthen Nigeria’s industrial energy efficiency

    ”This initiative is strategically designed to fast-track the adoption of energy-efficient air conditioners that utilise climate-friendly refrigerants, aligning with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement,” Abdullahi stated.

    The Federal Government’s approval and enforcement of the new MEPS for air conditioners mark a significant milestone in the nation’s pursuit of energy efficiency and sustainability. These standards are poised to drive significant economic and environmental benefits, including substantial energy savings, reduced electricity demand, and expanded energy access for millions of Nigerians.

    Abdullahi emphasised the crucial need for awareness and collaboration among key stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, manufacturers, and importers of air conditioning units. 

    He also highlighted the workshop’s key role in encouraging discussions on a sustainable Waste Management Mechanism for air conditioners and domestic refrigerators, strongly focusing on refrigerant management and safe disposal strategies.

    Key objectives of the workshop include showcasing the project’s achievements and impact since inception, presenting the details and implementation framework of the newly approved AC MEPS, and proposing a comprehensive waste management strategy for air conditioners and domestic refrigerators in Nigeria.

    Abdullahi appreciated Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) for its instrumental role in reviewing the MEPS under this initiative. 

    He also acknowledged the Clean Cooling Collaborative’s financial support and the United Nations Environment Programme’s technical expertise. Key partners, including the National Ozone Office of the Federal Ministry of Environment, were also recognised for their invaluable contributions.

  • Nigeria needs $410b for energy transition, says ECN

    Nigeria needs $410b for energy transition, says ECN

    The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has said the country requires $410billion to deliver the Energy Transition Plan in 2060.

    Its Director General, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, made this known at the Foz do Iguacu, Brazil G20 7the Energy Transition Working Group (ETWG) meeting.

    “Our projected estimates have shown that Nigeria would require about $410 billion dollars to deliver the Energy Transition Plan by 2060,” he said.

    He described finance as the key to a clean energy transition, noting it is currently inaccessible by developing nations that need it most particularly in Africa.

    Mustapha, who is also the Head of the Delegation at G20 ETWG, said Africa is one of the most affected regions by climate change and the present funding for climate financing in the continent is inadequate.

    He said according to the African countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions, the continent reportedly requires about $53 billion dollars per year between 2020 and 2035. 

    To achieve a just energy transition, said the ECN boss, each African country should plan its own energy transition that is specific to each country’s energy scenario policy and not a general one-size-fits-all-all model.

    He revealed that Nigeria has set a policy target of domestication and localization of Green Energy in the country with the mining & processing of lithium for lithium-ion batteries, solar PV assembly plant factories, pilot green hydrogen, and biomethanol plant as implementation strategy projects.

    He was thankful to the Brazil G20 Presidency and international partners that have shown support for a clean and just energy transition in Nigeria and the African Continent at large, towards achieving a global net zero emissions target by 2050.

    Nigeria, he said, is delighted to be a part of the event, and to discuss the important role of energy transition in achieving both clean affordable energy access and net zero emissions target by 2050 in African countries, particularly Nigeria.

    Mustapha said modern, affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy is critical for economic growth and the provision of access to modern energy contributes greatly to improved health care, better education, and economic growth in both urban and rural areas in Africa.

    Read Also: Plateau Govt, SectorLead move to end energy, waste mgt challenges with 30MW

    He said one of the conclusions of the COP28 Summit held in Dubai in 2023 was the commitment of the participating countries to transition away from fossil fuels to renewable fuels in a just orderly and equitable manner to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 globally.

    He added that Nigeria pledged to support the EU global initiative made at COP28 to triple the installed capacity of renewable energy and double the rate of global energy efficiency by 2030.

     He reminded the group that other important problems must be addressed such as the energy poverty on the African continent.

    He added: “We need significantly more energy because energy access is essential to reducing poverty, preventing disease, and for the supply of clean water for essential hygiene.

    “Consequently, in 2021, Nigeria became the first African country to officially launch a detailed Energy Transition Plan to address the problems of energy poverty and climate change and deliver universal access to affordable energy (SDG7) by 2030 and net-zero by 2060.”

  • ECN seeks clean cooking stoves

    ECN seeks clean cooking stoves

    Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has advocated adoption of clean cooking stoves by women to mitigate health risks and environmental hazards.

    Director-General, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, spoke at a gender sensitisation training in Mararaba, Nasarawa.

    Mustapha noted the workshop serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and collaboration towards promoting clean cooking.

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    He lamented that in many households in rural areas, women use traditional methods that pose health risks and environmental hazards.

    Through adoption of clean stoves, he said the commission will improve health, reduce environmental degradation, and enhance well-being