JICA Urges Nigeria to Adopt Energy Efficiency Solutions

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has raised concerns about the financial burden of energy inefficiency on Nigerian industries, which are losing trillions of naira annually. Mr Ishigame Keiji, Chief Representative of JICA in Nigeria, spoke at a workshop in Abuja organized with the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN).

He emphasized the importance of adopting energy-saving technologies to cut costs and enhance productivity. Keiji described energy efficiency as the "first fuel," noting that the cheapest energy is that which does not need to be produced.

He highlighted Japan's experience, stating that energy efficiency drives economic growth and industrial competitiveness. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of the ECN, revealed that a significant portion of industrial energy expenditure goes to self-generated diesel power, which he labeled as the most expensive and least efficient energy source.

Abdullahi warned that these costs undermine productivity and could be better utilized for business expansion and job creation. The workshop aimed to foster collaboration among stakeholders to develop a practical roadmap for energy efficiency in Nigeria.