Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe announced the federal government’s strategy to boost electricity supply to Nigeria’s industrial sector at the Manufacturers Energy Security and Energy Efficiency Summit in Lagos. He outlined a four‑pronged approach that includes improving sector liquidity and sustainability, optimising existing generation and transmission assets, developing energy zones and expanding critical infrastructure.
Tegbe said the government will build dedicated transmission links to connect available power generation with major manufacturing hubs, citing a planned connection between Alaoji and the Agbara industrial area. The aim is to tighten the link between generation and industrial demand, ensuring manufacturers receive more reliable electricity and lower production costs.
At the same event, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) launched the Industrial Energy Cost Reduction and Clean Energy Adoption Programme (IECRECAP). The programme is being implemented through the Manufacturers Power Development Company Limited (MPDCL) in partnership with the Nigerian Energy Support Programme, GIZ, the Federal Ministry of Power and other stakeholders.
MAN President Dr Ifeanyi Okoye warned that high energy costs, an unreliable grid and a growing reliance on self‑generation are stalling industrial productivity. He called for sustainable financing models tailored to industrial energy projects and urged the adoption of rooftop solar, battery storage, captive gas generation and smart energy management.
Keystone Bank Limited’s Chairman, Lady Ada Chukwudozie, highlighted the financial burden on manufacturers, noting that Nigerian firms spent about ₦1.11 trillion on alternative power in 2024, rising to ₦1.35 trillion in 2025. She advocated structured, investor‑backed financing and used a 1.5‑megawatt rooftop solar project at Nkpor, Anambra State, as an example, projecting more than 50 % energy savings through smart metering and remote monitoring.
“Beyond reducing energy costs, the programme will support participating manufacturers in aggregating and monetising emissions reductions through carbon credits. It will also assist businesses in measuring and reporting their carbon footprints as international markets increasingly impose stricter environmental and sustainability requirements on imported products,”
The summit, themed “Innovative Energy for Cost‑Effective Smart Manufacturing with Structured Financing,” brought together manufacturers, government officials, regulators, financial institutions, technology providers and development partners. Participants agreed that the initiative should provide a viable pathway to lower operating expenses, improved productivity, greater energy independence and enhanced competitiveness of locally manufactured products.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
