The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its support for Nigeria’s energy transition efforts, stating that energy efficiency plays a critical role in achieving the country’s target of carbon neutrality by 2060 and strengthening its broader climate action goals.
Speaking at the launch of the Energy Efficiency Awareness Campaign organized by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) on Thursday, Ambassador Gauthier Mignot of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS emphasized that smarter energy use could significantly reduce operational costs for businesses while easing the pressure on the national grid.
The campaign, themed “Boost Your Business: Save Energy, Boost Profits,” aims to raise awareness on the importance of energy efficiency for businesses—especially Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)—which are often most affected by unreliable and expensive electricity.
Amb. Mignot, represented by Dr. Frank Okafor, noted that by adopting energy-efficient technologies, businesses can lower consumption, improve productivity, and increase profitability. He also highlighted broader benefits such as enhanced grid reliability, reduced carbon emissions, and the stimulation of green jobs and innovation.
“The EU’s experience has shown that strong policies, financial incentives, and effective awareness campaigns can deliver remarkable energy efficiency results,” he said.
The EU has supported ACCI through the Investment Climate Reform (ICR) Facility, helping to strengthen advocacy efforts and improve the business environment for Nigerian enterprises.
ACCI Advocates for Smarter Energy Use
In his welcome address, ACCI President Dr. Emeka Obegolu reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to championing sustainable business practices and promoting the efficient use of energy, particularly among small and medium-sized businesses.
He stressed that inadequate access to affordable and stable electricity remains a major obstacle for Nigerian businesses. Through this campaign, ACCI aims to foster an ecosystem where enterprises can adopt smarter, cleaner energy solutions and flourish.
“The choices we make today will shape the future of our economy and environment. Let’s empower our businesses through energy-smart decisions,” Obegolu said.
The campaign is being driven by ACCI’s National Policy Advocacy Centre (NPAC), which seeks to equip SMEs with knowledge on the economic and environmental benefits of energy efficiency, promote renewable energy adoption (especially solar power), and encourage the use of cost-effective, energy-saving technologies.
National Energy Commission and Stakeholder Support
Dr. Agabaidu Jideani, Director-General of ACCI and Chairman of NPAC, emphasized the campaign’s goal of promoting responsible energy use as a catalyst for sustainable economic development.
Also speaking, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, pledged the commission’s collaboration with ACCI in championing best practices in energy efficiency. He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring affordable, sustainable, and environmentally sound energy access for all.
As Nigeria moves forward with its energy transition agenda, partnerships between public institutions, international bodies, and the private sector are expected to play a central role in building a resilient and energy-conscious economy.
