By IJEOMA OLORUNFEMI

Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, has inaugurated the National Energy Master Plan Implementation Committee (NEMiC) in a major step towards repositioning Nigeria?s energy sector.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday by Dr Robert Ngwu, the Minister?s Senior Special Adviser.

He quoted the minister as tasking the committee with the responsibility of spearheading the country?s transition to a cleaner, more inclusive and sustainable energy future.

The inauguration marked the beginning of the full implementation phase of the National Energy Master Plan (NEMP).

Nnaji, said the committee should deliver real impact to households, industries, and communities nationwide.

?The National Energy Masterplan is not just a document; it is a blueprint for transforming our energy landscape. NEMiC must fast-track the deployment of energy solutions that are reliable, affordable, and climate-friendly.

?The work you do will directly influence Nigeria?s economic growth, social progress, and environmental sustainability,? the minister said.

Nnaji expressed optimism that the committee would deliver on the assignment.

?The decisions and actions taken by this Committee will define Nigeria?s energy trajectory for decades to come.

?This is a responsibility of the highest order, and I am confident NEMiC has the capacity, the vision, and the commitment to rise to the occasion,? he said.

Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), on behalf of members of the committee formally submitted the implementation roadmap to the Minister.

Stakeholders say the inauguration of NEMiC represents a bold, strategic move to accelerate universal energy access, drive industrialisation, and position Nigeria as a continental leader in clean energy development.

Present at the event were Mr Michael Oluwagbemi, Managing Director, Presidential CNG Initiative and Jide Awolowo, Investments Facilitation Coordinator of the Initiative.

Top executives from global power and engineering companies such as Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, China Machinery Engineering Co. (CMEC), Power China International Group, and Energy China were also in attendance.

Amb. Abaka Johnson Philbert, alongside representatives of international development organisations, including UNIDO and UNDP, attend the event, among other.

NEMP is a comprehensive framework designed to guide Nigeria?s energy diversification, strengthen energy security and align national development with global climate action goals.

Constituted on Oct. 17, 2024 by the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), NEMiC is tasked with mobilising funding and investing in renewable energy infrastructure.

It is also has the responsibility of accelerating the deployment of technologies that expand access to reliable and affordable power.

The committee would oversee projects across solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and other emerging technologies.

It would do that while also advancing the operationalisation of the National Energy Fund meant to channel resources into domestic energy efficiency and infrastructure projects.

It is estimated that over 80 million Nigerians lacking reliable electricity and more than 90 per cent of households depending on biomass for cooking.

Stakeholders, therefore, say that the Master Plan offers an opportunity to close the long-standing gaps while unlocking new economic frontiers.

?PHOTO, L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, and Mr Nurudeen Yakubu, Group CEO, Nor Group Ltd.

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