Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), has urged stakeholders to upgrade the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) to improve energy efficiency in the cooling sector. This move is expected to enhance value and reduce energy consumption.
Speaking at a one-day stakeholders’ workshop, organized by the ECN in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and other partners, Dr. Abdullahi highlighted that most air conditioners in Nigeria do not meet internationally acceptable MEPS based on the energy efficiency ratio (EER).
“Nigeria is the largest market in Africa, including the cooling sector, and will continue to see a growing demand for air conditioners,” Dr. Abdullahi said. “With population growth, improving lifestyles, urbanization, and escalating global warming, Nigeria will remain a rapidly expanding market for air conditioners and other cooling devices.”
He assured that the commission, in partnership with SON, will set and enforce standards according to MEPS, aiming to reduce the cost of compliant products entering the market.
“The study aims to empower policymakers and regulators to update MEPS and energy label policies, delivering cost-effective energy savings. The results of this study form the basis for proposing new standards for air conditioners in Nigeria,” he added.
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Mr. Samaila Zaku, acting director of the Linkages, Research, and Consultancy Department at ECN and the project director, emphasized that the stakeholders’ workshop is a significant step towards sustainable development and aligning with Nigeria’s climate goals outlined in the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
He revealed that the commission is launching an initiative to expand energy-efficient and environmentally friendly cooling solutions nationwide.
Eng. Lawal Ismaila, head of electrical electronics at SON, assured attendees that SON will enhance the efficiency standards for air conditioners in Nigeria to ensure they consume less energy while providing effective cooling.
“SON will ensure that air conditioners use less energy for cooling because they currently consume excessive amounts. We cannot afford to waste energy; we need to manage it effectively,” ThisDay quoted Eng. Ismaila saying.
This move by ECN, SON, and other stakeholders is expected to significantly improve energy efficiency in Nigeria’s cooling sector, contributing to the nation’s overall energy management and climate objectives.