The Federal Government of Nigeria has partnered with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to decrease carbon Emissions within the nation’s industrial sector. The collaboration was highlighted during a workshop in Abuja, organised by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) as part of the Industrial Energy Efficiency (IEE) and the Nigeria Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production (RECP) project. This partnership, aimed at promoting sustainable practices, underscores the importance of reducing Environmental Degradation and conserving energy in emerging economies. This comes at a critical moment when global industries struggle with their environmental impact.
According to Oluyomi Banjo, the National Programme Coordinator for Environment and Energy at UNIDO, industries are responsible for over 33% of total energy consumption and nearly 40% of global carbon emissions. Banjo emphasised the urgency for industries to adopt measures that align with international standards while enhancing efficiency and profitability. The project leverages skilled local experts and seeks to address these concerns in the nation and potentially across other African nations. Meanwhile, it aims to transform industrial operations by promoting practices that reduce energy consumption and environmental harm.
More than 300 local experts to be trained in RECP-IEE methodologies.
A pilot financing scheme is already in motion through the Bank of Industry (BOI), enabling industries to adopt resource-efficient methodologies. UNIDO’s track record of implementing similar projects in over 60 countries lends credibility to this ambitious plan, which is expected to support at least 70 industries in five key sectors, including food and beverage, wood and furniture, Steel and metals, textiles and garments, and petrochemicals. The project also includes developing the capacity of the organised private sector, with plans to train over 300 experts in the methodologies. These experts will play a pivotal role in ensuring that industries achieve energy efficiency, reduce production costs, and minimise their ecological footprint.
Furthermore, the initiative not only aligns with the country’s climate goals but also supports its Economic Development by enhancing the competitiveness of its industries. However, the nation’s push to reduce carbon emissions is a global effort to combat climate change. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has called for a 24% reduction in direct industrial emissions globally compared to 2007. Emerging economies, which have driven significant industrial growth since 1990, are particularly under study. Banjo noted that countries like India and China accounted for over 80% of increased industrial production during this period, underscoring the need for sustainable practices in similar economies.
Focus on the federal government’s commitment to sustainability.
In April 2024, UNIDO, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment and Sacral Industries, commissioned a new production line at a Sacral Industry facility. This development highlights the growing importance of addressing energy-intensive sectors like refrigeration and air conditioning. Nigeria, the largest market for cooling equipment in Africa, consumes about 40% of its residential Electricity through these appliances. This figure is expected to rise as the Economy expands, making energy efficiency an urgent priority. Moreover, the government has committed to reducing carbon emissions through various policies and initiatives. The Climate Change Act of 2021 provides a legal framework for climate action, including targets for cutting Greenhouse gas emissions.
Additionally, Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris Agreement include a pledge to reduce emissions by 45% by 2030. The government’s Energy Transition Plan outlines a pathway to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, focusing on Renewable Energy sources like solar and wind power. Efforts are also underway to introduce carbon pricing mechanisms, such as a carbon Tax and trading schemes, to incentivise businesses to lower their emissions. These initiatives and investments in clean technologies like carbon capture and storage reflect a comprehensive approach to combating climate change.
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As part of these projects, the role of media stakeholders has been emphasised to promote public awareness and support for sustainable industrial practices. The workshop served as a platform to discuss how industries can align their operations with the methodologies, thereby reducing their environmental impact while improving profitability. An IEE expert at ECOwatt Nigeria Ltd noted the importance of engaging industries of all sizes in this transformative journey because public participation and understanding are crucial for the success of these initiatives.