ECN and UNDP Collaborate on Human Capital Development and Energy Efficiency

Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), received a delegation from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at the Commission's headquarters in Abuja. The visit was premised upon cooperation towards the implementation of projects relating with energy efficiency, clean cooking facilities, and capacity building for human capital development, involving youth and women.

The UNDP delegation affirmed its readiness to play a major role in coordinating efforts to systematically advance clean cooking solutions across Nigeria. The delegation also promised to collaborate with the ECN to bring together relevant ministries and agencies to help achieve its cardinal objectives.

Dr. Abdullahi in his response, said the National Energy Policy (NEP) was being revised, and they plan to incorporate clean cooking into the policy document. According to him this would reduce CO2 emissions by reducing biomass share in the energy demand. He further stated that clean cooking stoves had been developed in some ECN research centres.

Expectedly, the UNDP-SDG integration would facilitate collaboration among the ECN, the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF), and key government stakeholders to ensure a unified approach towards sustainable clean cooking solutions. This includes engaging with energy, environment, health, and rural development ministries to achieve better outcomes.

The members of the delegation included, Geoffrey Omedo, PhD - Director - Sustainable Energy; Ms. Udumma Nwokike – Portfolio Analyst – Environment and Climate Change Unit, and Charles Obukwelu, UNDP Portfolio Associate Environment and Climate Change.

The Director-General expressed his readiness to collaborate adequately to achieve the desired implementation. He concluded by noting that the transformation plans in the Nigeria energy sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains a subject of prioritization to him and his administration.