TheCable

Mustapha Abdullahi, director-general (DG) of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), says the country is committed to clean cooling to mitigate global warming.

According to a statement on Monday, Abdullahi gave the assurance while addressing world leaders and stakeholders at the ongoing COP28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The ECN, in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), also launched the global cooling pledge at the conference.

The initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions and bring minimum energy performance (MEP) to 1.5°C across the globe.

Abdullahi said the initiative shows Nigeria’s commitment to drive a new energy economy and transition to the use of climate-friendly air conditioners (ACs).

He said President Bola Tinubu’s administration will “aggressively pursue a climate-friendly, energy policy in the face of global warming and emissions”.

“In our capacity as the lead agency in the energy sector in Nigeria, we recently hosted a one-day workshop on Air Conditioners Monitoring, Verification and Enforcement (MVE) for government officials saddled with the responsibility of ensuring standards,” he said.

“This was done in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) with the overall objective of accelerating the transition to energy-efficient air-conditioners (ACs) with climate-friendly (low–GWP refrigerant) in residential and commercial buildings. 

“Such initiative actually aligns with my country’s climate targets in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). 

“However, the ongoing climate change summit here in Dubai has further broadened the scope of our work, not only as a country but also as a leading voice in Africa.

“I can assure you all that Nigeria will take the lead in advocating for this global pledge among other African nations in order to mitigate the devastating effect of global warming occasioned by climate change.”