NECA, NACCIMA Urge Scale Up Of GEF-UNIDO Project

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s industrial sector have called for the urgent scaling up of the GEF-UNIDO Industrial Energy Efficiency and Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (IEE & RECP) Project, describing its initial successes as a template that must be transitioned from a pilot programme to mainstream industrial policy.

The call was made during an interactive session and Efficiency Champions Competition held in Abuja yesterday, which brought together government agencies, development partners, and the organised private sector to review the project’s outcomes and chart a path for broader adoption of sustainable industrial practices.

The national project coordinator, Mr. Jacob Oladipo, in his opening remarks, welcomed stakeholders and highlighted the project’s achievements in promoting energy efficiency and cleaner production methodologies across Nigerian industries.

“Through capacity building, technical support, cleaner production assessments, policy engagement, and innovative financing mechanisms, the project has demonstrated that improving resource efficiency and reducing energy consumption are not only environmentally responsible actions but also sound business strategies that enhance productivity and competitiveness,” Oladipo stated.

He added that the session was designed to present key outcomes and explore opportunities for scaling up the adoption of these practices.

A major highlight of the event was the revelation that the project had facilitated the deployment of N825 million in clean energy financing through the Bank of Industry (BoI) under a first-loss guarantee structure.

This achievement was lauded by stakeholders, who nevertheless emphasised the need for expansion.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mr Kunle Fadare commended the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) for their sustained support.

He emphasized the strategic importance of the intervention, noting that Nigeria’s industrial sector accounts for over 30 percent of national energy consumption but operates below optimal efficiency levels.

“Studies indicate that energy efficiency improvements in Nigerian industries could deliver savings of between 20% and 40%, translating into reduced production costs, improved competitiveness, and lower greenhouse gas emissions,” Fadare said.

He also highlighted the environmental imperative, stating that Nigeria generates over 32 million tonnes of solid waste annually, much of which could be reduced through cleaner production techniques.

“The RECP approach therefore offers a practical pathway not only for environmental sustainability but also for improved profitability and long-term business resilience,” he added.

Fadare particularly praised the Efficiency Champions Competition, calling it a powerful demonstration effect that shows sustainability is no longer optional but rather a business imperative.

The strongest push for scaling up the project came from the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), represented by Mr. Femi Paul.