Innovation Essential For Addressing Nigeria’s Energy Challenges, Manufacturers Urged Nigeria

Innovation Essential For Addressing Nigeria’s Energy Challenges, Manufacturers Urged
Nigeria

Manufacturers within the electrical and electronics sector have been encouraged to adopt innovative solutions to confront the various challenges in Nigeria’s energy landscape…READ MORE…

George Onafowokan, Managing Director and CEO of Coleman Wires and Cables, made this call during his keynote address at the third Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Electrical and Electronics Sectoral Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in Lagos, where he was represented by the company’s Chief Operating Officer, Ilori Sanusi.

Onafowokan emphasized that, despite the energy challenges facing the country, there are significant opportunities for transformation. He outlined several critical issues, including energy deficits that affect both industries and households, heavy reliance on fossil fuels hindering diversification, and the underutilization of renewable resources, notably solar and wind energy.

“These challenges also present an opportunity for the Electrical and Electronics sector to take the lead in redefining energy generation, distribution, and consumption,” he stated.

According to him, the expertise and resources within this sectoral group could spark energy transformation in Nigeria. He remarked, “The capabilities of the Electrical and Electronics sector position it as a crucial driver for energy transformation in the country. This sector is vital for:

• Improving energy efficiency through innovative product designs;
• Supporting renewable energy systems with essential components, such as solar panels and inverters; and
• Promoting industrial growth by creating jobs and enhancing Nigeria’s GDP.”

Onafowokan stressed that the path forward involves:

• Embracing innovative technologies to boost energy efficiency;
• Prioritizing sustainability as a competitive edge;
• Developing a skilled workforce to address emerging needs; and
• Collaborating with policymakers and stakeholders to foster a conducive environment.

He identified three key pillars of energy transformation in Nigeria: innovation through technology, sustainability as a guiding principle, and policy advocacy and collaboration.

“We should leverage technology such as smart grids and IoT-enabled devices to optimize energy production and consumption,” he added.

In her welcoming remarks, Ijeoma Oduonye, Chairman of the Sectoral Group and CEO of Cutix Plc, noted that the theme of the AGM reflects the group’s dedication to innovation, technology, sustainability, and collaboration as vital growth drivers.

Oduonye also highlighted persistent challenges faced by the manufacturing sector, including energy efficiency and affordability, rising financing costs, foreign exchange scarcity, infrastructure deficiencies, policy inconsistencies, and skills gaps.

Additionally, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director General of MAN, pointed out that the sectoral group includes manufacturers of high-quality cables, wires, assemblers of power distribution equipment, electronics, air conditioning units, refrigerators, and other household appliances in Nigeria.

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