The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), in partnership with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has launched a nationwide sensitization campaign to ensure compliance with newly approved Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for air conditioners in Nigeria.
The campaign was formally flagged off during a one-day stakeholder workshop held in Kano, where key industry players, manufacturers, importers, distributors, and consumers were urged to align with the federal government’s updated standards, which are part of the 2024 Scaling Up Energy-Efficient and Climate-Friendly Cooling Project.
Speaking at the event, ECN Director General Mustapha Abdullahi, represented by Dr. Shehu Salihu, Acting Director of the Energy Transition and Linkages Unit, said the new standards are designed to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to energy-efficient and climate-friendly cooling technologies. The initiative aligns with the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Climate Agreement and supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda focused on renewable energy adoption.
Abdullahi emphasized that rising demand for air conditioning, especially in residential, commercial, and public buildings poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s energy infrastructure and environmental goals. He called on stakeholders to support the deployment of low-global warming potential (low-GWP) refrigerants and appliances that consume significantly less energy, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and avoid straining the national grid.
Highlighting the urgency of the transition, Dr. Salihu noted that poorly regulated air conditioning systems contribute heavily to electricity consumption and climate degradation. The new MEPS, he said, are aimed at fostering the use of technologies that not only cut energy costs for consumers but also minimize environmental harm.
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Also speaking at the workshop, Engr. Lawal Ismaila, Head of the Electronics/Electrical Laboratory at SON, stressed the critical role of compliance in achieving Nigeria’s energy management goals. He explained that the newly approved standards promote the use of modern air conditioners and refrigerators that are more energy-efficient and safer for the environment, particularly in terms of ozone layer protection.
“The updated ACs and refrigerators consume far less energy compared to outdated models and are free from harmful substances that damage the ozone layer. Protecting the ozone layer is crucial, as it shields us from dangerous ultraviolet rays linked to skin cancer and other health risks,” he explained.
The workshop marks a crucial step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to drive sustainable energy consumption while fulfilling its climate commitments. Participants were encouraged to champion the adoption of these standards and educate consumers about the benefits of switching to environmentally friendly and energy-efficient cooling systems.
