Why energy efficiency must become Nigeria’s next national priority — Expert

As Nigeria’s energy deficit continues to strain economic productivity and public infrastructure, national discussions tend to orbit around power generation, transmission upgrades, or new renewable investments.

Yet a quieter revolution holds equal—if not greater—potential to transform the sector: energy efficiency. At its core, energy efficiency is not just about consuming less; it’s about consuming smarter. It is the deliberate optimization of energy use in buildings, equipment, and systems to ensure performance with minimal waste. In a country where over 40% of generated electricity is lost to inefficiencies—from poorly maintained infrastructure to outdated appliances—this focus is not optional. It’s urgent.

Many public institutions and private companies are beginning to realize this. One notable example is the work being done by September Engineering and Energy Ltd, a technical consulting firm based in Lagos. Founded by a team of energy systems professionals with deep ties to the University of Lagos, including electrical engineering expert Kolawole Adisa, the company has quietly led low-cost energy conservation audits, helped implement load management protocols in tertiary institutions, and guided clients on retrofit strategies for HVAC and lighting systems.

In one of its recent projects, the firm partnered with a commercial client to reduce energy use in administrative buildings through smart switching systems, passive cooling techniques, and power factor correction. Within three months, the facility recorded a 17% reduction in energy costs—without any major capital expenditure.

“People often think you need solar panels or major overhauls to achieve savings. But a lot of impact comes from rethinking what’s already in place—wiring layouts, standby loads, even how buildings are oriented,” said Adisa who was the lead on the project.

What makes these interventions even more meaningful is the fact that September Engineering’s lead consultant is also a technical staff member at the University of Lagos, in the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Over the years, he has trained dozens of young engineers in power systems, sustainable design, and facility energy audits—equipping a new generation to approach energy use as both a technical challenge and a national responsibility.

This integration of academic rigor and field application is what Nigeria needs more of. Despite being Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria ranks poorly in energy intensity metrics—indicating that we use more energy per unit of GDP than our peers. This inefficiency is not just an engineering problem. It is a developmental bottleneck, affecting schools, hospitals, and small businesses.

Several global studies, including reports by the International Energy Agency (IEA), emphasize that energy efficiency remains the most cost-effective solution to energy poverty and emissions reduction. In Nigeria, implementing large-scale public lighting retrofits, mandatory appliance standards, and energy codes for buildings could save billions of naira annually—freeing up funds for health, education, and infrastructure.

But this future won’t be achieved by policy alone. It requires practitioners who understand the realities on the ground—engineers, auditors, and energy managers who can identify invisible losses, propose workable solutions, and deliver measurable results.

Thankfully, Nigeria is not short on such expertise. Companies like September Engineering are proving that small-scale, technically sound interventions—when applied with insight and integrity—can catalyze national transformation.

It’s time energy efficiency moves from the margins of energy planning to the center of national policy. With the right tools, training, and support, we can light up Nigeria—not just with more electricity, but with smarter use of every kilowatt.