The World Energy Council in Nigeria is seeking collaboration with international energy organizations to enhance electricity access, improve technical capacity, and promote productive energy usage across the nation. Gabriel Adudua, Chief Insight Officer of the Council, made this announcement during an interview held at the COP31 climate conference in Antalya, Turkey.
Adudua highlighted the Council’s ongoing discussions with key organizations, including the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the International Energy Agency (IEA), OPEC, and Green Protocol, with the aim of establishing partnerships that would lead to impactful projects in Nigeria’s energy sector.
The Council is working on a Memorandum of Understanding with Green Protocol to advance energy sustainability initiatives. Additionally, there are plans to convene stakeholders from Nigeria’s energy ecosystem, including policymakers, producers, consumers, and businesses, to facilitate better coordination between policy formulation and implementation.
Adudua expressed hope for closer collaboration with IRENA, noting that Nigeria has yet to fully benefit from IRENA’s nearly two decades of initiatives, despite having a good foundation for potential projects. He indicated discussions with IEA also focus on securing energy data, technology, and technical expertise, further affirming the Council’s engagement with OPEC.
Regarding Nigeria’s energy transition, Adudua emphasized the importance of continuing fossil fuel exploration while ensuring these practices are environmentally responsible. He called for research on cleaner extraction methods and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, while advocating for responsible fossil fuel usage.
Adoption of solar energy in Nigeria is seen as a significant step toward enhancing electricity access, especially in rural and low-income areas. Despite the increasing reliance on solar technology, including panels and batteries, Adudua noted that these solutions are still insufficient for large-scale manufacturing and production needs.
Adudua identified outdated transmission infrastructure as a major obstacle in the sector and welcomed the Electricity Act of 2023, which creates opportunities for state-level electricity generation and distribution. The Council is optimistic that private investments in solar energy will continue to lower dependence on the national grid.
Furthermore, Adudua highlighted the interconnectedness of energy access and food security, citing significant agricultural losses in regions like the Benue Trough. Proposed solutions include the establishment of energy-powered agricultural hubs and cold storage facilities to aid farmers in preserving perishable goods.
The Council also recognizes the potential of energy access to enhance healthcare delivery, particularly in maintaining vaccine storage at primary healthcare centers. Adudua reiterated that improving energy access should translate into better economic opportunities and quality of life for Nigerians.
Lastly, in response to concerns about fire incidents with solar installations, the Council is reviewing the components and technical specifications of solar systems to identify safety improvements. This research aims to understand the causes of such incidents and find safer alternatives, ensuring broader access to reliable energy complements overall development efforts in Nigeria.
