The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) on Wednesday released the gazette of the National Energy Policy (NEP) and National Energy Master Plan (NEMP) to improve the performance of the energy sector through proper coordination and implementation of government policies.
The document is the first Gazetted Energy Policy published in Abuja and the revised NEP approved along with the NEMP by former President Muhammadu Buhari in April 2022 and gazetted in March 2024. . It is said to be a very comprehensive document. In a highly professional manner, we have translated the 2022 revised NEP into actionable projects, programs and action plans needed to ensure the achievement of the NEP objectives.
Addressing a wide range of stakeholders in the energy sector, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Uche Nnaji, expressed agitation about the importance of policy, stating that these gazettes clearly document the direction of government policy, and that most of them He reiterated that the rules will be complied with. Person concerned.
Mr. Nnaji commended ECN for achieving this milestone, saying that this step will encourage investment in the energy industry and firmly manage investment risks and prospects, especially the transition from a fossil fuel-based economy to an energy-driven economy. He expressed optimism that it would foster the necessary platform for consideration. Low carbon options.
The Special Assistant to the President on Energy, Mrs. Olu Verheijen, also spoke and formally published the Official Gazette for further consultations on behalf of the President, confirming that the ECN has launched a number of national campaigns pointing fingers at President Bohra. He said he came. Mr. Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to ensuring unified and purposeful policy cohesion in the energy sector;
Acknowledging President Tinubu's unwavering support and leadership role in his commitment to driving Nigeria's energy policy forward, Mrs. Verheijen stressed the importance of this policy, adding that this momentum is supported by government agencies, the private sector and civil society. , stressed the need for concerted efforts by all stakeholders, including the international community. community.
Mrs. Verheijen expressed her gratitude to the current and past ECN Director-Generals for their dedication and expertise in developing and implementing the country's energy policy and strategy, striving for more resilient, inclusive and abundant energy. He called on them to work together and intensify their efforts. The future of Nigeria.
In his speech, ECN Director-General Dr. Mustafa Abdullahi spoke about the Commission's mandate, also highlighting the importance of the Gazette policy, which now has legal backing.
“It is important to note that with this approval and official gazette, these documents officially recognize the government's official position on energy-related issues, providing clarity and consistency in policy direction. , it was also vested with legal powers, enabling it to implement and enforce the policies outlined therein.
“Government approval increases the credibility and credibility of the document, reassuring stakeholders and investors. It also strengthens international cooperation and alignment with the world's energy challenges, and strengthens diplomatic relations and cooperation. enable opportunity.
“As a government document, it can be used for public awareness to educate people about energy issues. And by publishing it, the government can take responsibility for energy policy, and it can be used by the public, experts and other interested parties. “It will allow for scrutiny and evaluation by the public,” he said.
The General Directorate, while answering questions from journalists, explained what impact this policy could have on the general public and stakeholders, and that it could also enable the possibility of investments in energy. suggested. He added that diversification is the only solution to the energy crisis we are experiencing today if we need to ensure security.
“We still have many untapped energy sources and this document also provides a roadmap to solar and other renewable energies. We realized that it is not the generation of energy, but the storage and utilization of energy. Therefore, this document also highlights the best way to use energy efficiently,” said the Director-General.
Meanwhile, Professor Eli Bala, former Director-General of ECN, reviewed the National Energy Policy and Professor Abubakar Sani Sambo reviewed the National Energy Master Plan. Notable fixes are underlined and recommendations are included in the next version of NEMP.
