The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has reaffirmed its dedication to promoting the use of energy-efficient air conditioning units utilizing climate-friendly refrigerants. This initiative is aimed at enhancing sustainability in residential, commercial, and public buildings across the nation.
During a stakeholder workshop held on Tuesday in Abuja, Dr. Mustapha Abdullah, Director-General of the ECN, emphasized the importance of this initiative. He noted that the workshop served to showcase project achievements and to present the content of the formally approved Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for air conditioners.
Dr. Abdullah highlighted that the adoption of energy-efficient air conditioning units is in alignment with Nigeria’s climate targets, as outlined in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). He further mentioned that the ECN, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is actively implementing a project titled “Scaling up Energy-Efficient and Climate-Friendly Cooling in Nigeria’s National Determined Contribution Revision,” supported financially by the Clean Cooling Collaborative (CCC). This project has been underway since 2022.
“We are fully committed to achieving the project’s objectives, which include accelerating the adoption of energy-efficient air conditioners that utilize climate-friendly refrigerants, consistent with Nigeria’s climate goals outlined in the NDC,” he stated. “I would like to express my gratitude to the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) for their invaluable support in reviewing the Minimum Energy Performance Standards for air conditioners, a key deliverable of this initiative.”
Dr. Abdullah announced that the Federal Government of Nigeria has officially approved the new MEPS for air conditioners. The implementation of this significant standard is expected to yield both economic and environmental benefits, leading to energy savings at both the individual and national levels. He noted that these developments are anticipated to reduce energy demand and enhance access to energy.
Additionally, Dr. Abdullah emphasized the importance of effectively communicating the project’s successes and achievements to the Nigerian public and relevant stakeholders.
The workshop, co-organized by the ECN, SON, and UNEP, featured remarks from Mr. Jose Carbajosa, UNEP representative, who spoke on the overarching goal of the project. He reiterated that enhancing the energy efficiency of air conditioners and promoting low global warming potential refrigerants would yield substantial environmental benefits. With the introduction of Nigeria’s new Minimum Energy Performance Standards, Mr. Carbajosa projected that the country could achieve an annual energy savings of 11.5 TWh by 2040, establishing Nigeria as a leading example in Africa.
“The success of this project is rooted in the principles of inter-organizational collaboration, and I urge all participating agencies to sustain this cooperative spirit,” Mr. Carbajosa concluded.
Also addressing the attendees, Dr. Okeke Ifeayi, Director General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, emphasized the organization’s ongoing collaboration with the ECN and other entities to ensure the standardization of air conditioners. Represented by Engr. Lawal Ismaila, Group Head of Electrical Electronics, Dr. Ifeayi highlighted that SON operates two certification schemes—one for imported goods and another for local manufacturers— and pointed out that refrigerants used in older air conditioning models may not be ozone-friendly or environmentally supportive.