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Tag: Energy Commission of Nigeria

  • ECN dares AGF, ignores directive to pay judgment debt

    ECN dares AGF, ignores directive to pay judgment debt

    • Judgement creditors threaten to return for consent

    About eight months after the AGF asked the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) to settle a judgment debt it owes to two firms – PSC Industries Limited and OGB-Tech Nigeria Limited, the ECN has failed to comply.

    The AGF/MJ’s intervention was informed by a February 4, 2025 letter by the law firm of Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George, SAN & Partners (lawyers to PSC and OGB-Tech), seeking the minister’s consent to garnishee ECN’s bank accounts to satisfy the judgment debt.

    The judgment debt was put at  N157,035,350.00 in addition to 10 per cent annual interest from November 5, 2018 until full liquidation of the judgment debt and accrued interest.

    The judgment debt arose from the ECN’s failure to pay both firms for the contracts they executed for it, leading to a dispute which culminated in a judgment given against ECN by the Supreme Court on June 7, 2024.

    The ECN awarded contracts to the two firms for the execution of solar energy projects. PSC was awarded two projects known as Jarkum project  and Agoloma project, while OGB-Tech also got two, known as Obokun project and Batagarawa project.

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    The two firms, in documents filed before the HIgh Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), accused the ECN of failing to pay for their services after they duly executed the projects and requested for payment.

    In a judgment on November 5, 2018 in the suit marked: FCT/HC/CV/1740/2915, the High Court of the FCT, upheld the plaintiffs’ case as prosecuted by their lawyers, Mrs. Olaide Akinseye-George and Kelvin Mejuku.

    The High Court of the FCT ordered ECN to immediately pay the firms their monetary clams, in addition to 10 per cent interest on the judgment sum until the final payment of the judgment debt.

    ECN appealed the High Court of the FCT’s judgment to the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which in a judgment on September 6, 2022 in the appeal marked: CA/A/283/2019 affirmed the decision of the High Court of the FCT.

    Again, the ECN appealed to the Supreme Court, in an appeal marked: SC/CV/1584/2022.

    In its judgment on June 7, 2024 the Supreme Court dismissed ECN’s appeal, describing it as unmeritorious.

    Justice Habeeb Abiru, in the lead judgment, said: “This appeal has no iota of merit and it is in fact, an appeal that should never have found a space in the hearing calendar of this court. It is hereby dismissed.

    “The judgment of the Court of Appeal, delivered in Appeal: No CA/A/283/2019 on the 6th of September, 2022, and which affirmed the judgment of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, delivered in suit: No FHC/HC/CV/1740/2015 on the 5th of November, 2018, is upheld.

    “The first and second Respondents are awarded the costs of this appeal assessed at N500,000.”

    After several demands on ECN to comply with the judgment of the Supreme Court, without success, the firms, through their lawyers, wrote to the AGF/MJ for consent to garnishee ECN’s bank accounts in a bid to recover the judgment sum. The letter was dated February 4, 2025.

    In one of the letters of demand sent to the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the ECN, dated April 11, 2025, the firms put the judgment debt at N157,035,350.00 in addition to N138,208,883 being the accrued 10 per cent interest as at April 11, 2025, totalling N295,245,233.00.

    In response to the letter by the firms, the AGF/MJ agreed that the firms were entitled to be paid and wrote the ECN to settle the judgment without delay.

    The letter, dated March 24 was written on behalf of the AGF/MJ by the Director, Civil Litigation and Public Law Department, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Maimuna Lami Shiru.

    Part of the AGF’s letter reads: “The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF/MJ} is in receipt of a letter, dated 4th February,2025 from Prof Yemi Akinseye-George , SAN & Partners.

    “Kindly be advised that it is expedient for the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) to endeavour to settle ine matter amicably with the judgment  creditor in the absence of any legal impediment.”

    The firms, in a fresh court filling, claimed that the ECN has failed to comply with the minister’s directive and threatened to return to the AGF/MJ for further actions.

  • ECN urges decentralised solar energy solutions

    ECN urges decentralised solar energy solutions

    The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has emphasised the country’s potential to harness decentralised solar energy solutions to power rural communities and reduce dependence on the national grid.

    Its Director-General, Engr. Mustapha Abdullahi, stated this in a report entitled: ‘Building a Sustainable Future: A Strategic Pathway to Innovation and Development through Sustainable Solutions via Renewable Energy’.

    He highlighted the transformative impact of renewable energy investments and envisioned a future where major roads are illuminated by solar-powered LED lights, and government buildings, as well as industrial parks, operate on hybrid renewable energy sources.

    Abdullahi cited global examples such as Germany and China, where smart grids, solar-powered street lighting, and energy-efficient transportation networks have improved connectivity and reduced costs.

    He noted that under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, a clear roadmap has been established to achieve a sustainable energy future.

    According to Abdullahi, the Federal Government has taken practical steps, including the development of Nigeria’s first gazetted National Energy Policy and its implementation plan.

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    Other key initiatives, he said, include localising and domesticating renewable energy solutions, fostering industries for the local production of solar PV panels and batteries, establishing large-scale solar PV module assembly plants, a modular Green Hydrogen plant, and a Bio-Methanol plant to expand energy access, lower costs, and enhance energy security and investing in solar energy to boost economic development, following successful examples from Sweden, Denmark, and Morocco’s Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex.

    Abdullahi stressed that renewable energy plays a crucial role in addressing security and employment challenges.

    He suggested integrating solar-powered security cameras in high-risk zones and using tech-driven agricultural solutions to create jobs, particularly for Nigeria’s youth population, which is over 60 per cent under 25 years old.

    He noted that training programs in solar panel technology, smart agriculture, and energy management could generate employment while addressing power deficits.

    He also highlighted the potential for renewable energy to revolutionize education. Countries such as Finland and South Korea have successfully used digital tools and smart classrooms powered by renewable energy.

    Abdullahi envisioned a Nigeria where rural schools have uninterrupted electricity through solar microgrids, enabling students in remote areas to access digital learning platforms.

    He said: “The Federal Government has allocated funds for the Solarisation of Critical Infrastructure initiative, which will be implemented by the ECN.

    “This project aims to install up to 2-megawatt solar hybrid mini-grids in federal universities, teaching hospitals, and other public institutions across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. An energy audit is currently underway to determine the specific needs of these institutions, with project completion targeted by year-end.”

    Abdullahi further noted that investing in renewable energy technologies and smart solutions will accelerate Nigeria’s development, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future.

    “In an era where technological innovation shapes national destinies, Nigeria must embrace renewable energy solutions not as an option, but as a necessity, to leapfrog development hurdles and secure a prosperous energy future,” Abdullahi said.

  • ECN unveils new energy policy to cut electricity costs for industries

    ECN unveils new energy policy to cut electricity costs for industries

    The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has introduced a new policy framework aimed at reducing electricity costs for industrial players while promoting energy efficiency and cleaner production technologies.

    The policy, titled “Improving Nigeria’s Industrial Energy Performance and Resource Efficient Cleaner Production through Pragmatic Approaches and the Promotion of Innovation in Clean Technology Solutions,” was unveiled during a validation workshop in Abuja, by the ECN’s Director-General, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi.

    Abdullahi noted that the policy   seeks to enhance Nigeria’s industrial energy performance and drive sustainable economic growth.

    He emphasised that the regulations would help industries conserve energy, lower operational costs, and improve overall efficiency.

    “We are introducing these new regulations to enable industries to use electricity more efficiently. Energy generation alone is not enough without efficient utilization, even 20,000 megawatts could be wasted,” he explained.

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    This initiative, he said, is part of broader efforts to address Nigeria’s high industrial electricity costs, a major barrier to competitiveness and growth. 

    By promoting conservation and clean technologies, he noted that the ECN aims to create a more sustainable and cost-effective energy ecosystem.

    Alongside the policy, the ECN also unveiled a Compendium of Industrial Energy Efficiency Policies, Regulations, and Standards, providing a consolidated resource for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and regulators.

    Dr. Abdullahi described the compendium as a “living document” that will be continuously updated to reflect new policies and technological advancements. It will guide decision-makers in implementing Industrial Energy Management Systems (EnMS) nationwide.

    The success of the policy will depend on collaboration among key stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector. Dr. Abdullahi underscored the importance of synergy and coordination in promoting energy efficiency and conservation best practices.

    “Appropriate policy and legislative frameworks are essential for driving national energy efficiency and sustainability,” he noted.

    Also, Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Segun Ayayi-Kadiri, praised the ECN’s efforts, calling the initiative a vital step toward economic sustainability.

    Ayayi-Kadiri, who was represented by MAN’s Liaison Officer, Michael Olufemitan,  emphasised the policy’s potential to boost productivity, create jobs, and enhance environmental sustainability.

    “By prioritizing resource efficiency and innovation, Nigeria’s industrial sector can drive economic diversification while minimizing its environmental footprint,” he said.

    “The theme of today’s event underscores the urgent need for innovative and pragmatic solutions to improve energy use and promote cleaner production across industries.

    “Our nation’s industrial sector holds significant potential to not only enhance productivity but also reduce environmental impact through the adoption of clean technologies and sustainable practices. 

    “By focusing on resource efficiency and innovation, we can unlock new opportunities for job creation, economic diversification, and environmental sustainability”.