The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the country’s energy transition, strengthening energy security, and expanding access to clean energy as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary. The Commission emphasized that Nigeria’s energy future remains a national priority, stressing the need for sustained efforts to harness the country’s energy resources to drive economic growth, improve livelihoods, and create new opportunities for citizens.
In an Independence Day message, the Director General of ECN, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, said the Commission would continue to support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through initiatives such as the Renewed Hope Solarisation Programme. This programme aims to expand access to clean energy and strengthen the country’s energy security. Abdullahi described Nigeria’s 66 years of independence as a testament to the country’s resilience, sacrifices, and enduring belief in its potential.
Abdullahi noted that Nigeria had made significant progress since independence but needed renewed commitment, unity, and determination to achieve its aspirations for national development. He expressed optimism that, with sustained commitment to national development, Nigeria could overcome its challenges, strengthen its global competitiveness, and realise its potential. The ECN DG stressed that the country’s future would depend on its citizens’ ability to work together, pursue common goals, and translate their belief in Nigeria into purposeful action.
The Director General called on Nigerians to embrace patriotism, cooperation, and collective responsibility in building a stronger and more prosperous nation. He urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and united, noting that the country’s journey towards greatness required collective efforts and a shared commitment to progress. Abdullahi added that nations that are great today were once laying their foundations, and Nigeria too can rise, compete, and lead among the world’s greatest nations.
Meanwhile, governors in Nigeria’s Northeast have called on the federal government to expedite action on the Mambila Hydropower Project. The governors, under the aegis of Northeast Governors’ Forum, made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of its 13th meeting, held in Maiduguri. They expressed concern over the seeming neglect of the Mambila Hydropower Project, urging the Federal Government to take advantage of the recent resolution of legal issues surrounding the project.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has welcomed the Federal Government’s renewed effort to improve gas supply to the industrial sector. PETROAN said the move would help in significantly reducing production cost and create more efficiency in the sector. National President of PETROAN, Dr. Gillis-Harry, said the marketing group is excited with President Bola Tinubu’s emphasis on reducing the cost of production, which is particularly important as energy costs have a direct impact on transportation, manufacturing, agriculture, and other productive activities.
PETROAN also called on President Tinubu to direct the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to take urgent steps towards restarting and sustainably operating the nation’s government-owned refineries. Gillis-Harry said prolonged refinery inactivity has affected businesses, workers, contractors, transport operators, and communities whose livelihoods depend on the petroleum value chain.
Key points
- ECN commits to advancing Nigeria’s energy transition and expanding access to clean energy.
- Northeast governors call for expedited action on Mambila Hydropower Project.
- PETROAN welcomes Federal Government’s effort to improve gas supply to industrial sector.
