• RECORDS 38 MILESTONES IN 3 YEARS, DEEPENS NIGERIA’S CLEAN ENERGY DRIVE

The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has recorded 38 milestones in three years under the leadership of its Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, with notable progress in renewable energy development, solar power deployment, clean cooking, hydrogen technology and local energy manufacturing.

The achievements, according to Abdullahi, reflect the Commission’s commitment to translating national energy policies into practical interventions capable of improving lives, empowering communities and advancing Nigeria’s transition towards sustainable energy.

Among the key milestones are the gazetting of the National Energy Policy and National Energy Master Plan, solarisation of healthcare and educational facilities, expansion of mini-grid projects, development of local energy manufacturing capacity and strategic international partnerships.

Abdullahi highlighted the achievements as the Commission marked his third anniversary in office, describing the progress as the outcome of collective efforts by the management and staff to strengthen Nigeria’s energy sector.

The anniversary was marked by a surprise reception at the Commission’s headquarters, where staff members, directors and management gathered to celebrate the Director-General’s leadership and the institution’s achievements over the past three years.

Speaking during the event, Abdullahi expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and support under the Renewed Hope Agenda, as well as the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, for his strategic guidance and partnership in advancing the country’s energy transformation.

He reaffirmed the Commission’s determination to position Nigeria as a leading destination for clean energy innovation and sustainable development.

A major highlight of the Commission’s achievements is the establishment of Africa’s first Barefoot Renewable Energy College in Osara, Kogi State, an initiative designed to strengthen renewable energy capacity and support the development of practical skills in the sector.

The Commission has also advanced solarisation initiatives aimed at improving energy access in critical public facilities, particularly healthcare and educational institutions, while pursuing mini-grid development to expand electricity access to underserved communities.

Other areas of progress include clean cooking solutions, hydrogen development and efforts to strengthen domestic energy manufacturing, alongside international collaborations intended to accelerate technology transfer, innovation and sustainable energy deployment.

Beyond its sectoral achievements, Abdullahi said the Commission had made progress in improving staff welfare, conditions of service and internal infrastructure, creating a better working environment for personnel.

He described the reception organised in his honour as a demonstration of the goodwill and shared commitment within the Commission, expressing gratitude to staff and management for their support.

The Director-General, however, stressed that the achievements recorded in the past three years were not the end of the journey, noting that more work remained to be done in fulfilling the Commission’s mandate.

He pledged to build on the existing progress, sustain improvements in staff welfare and strengthen the Commission’s capacity to deliver on its responsibilities.

Abdullahi said the Commission would remain focused on turning policies into tangible outcomes and ensuring that energy innovation translates into practical benefits for Nigerians.

He added that the overarching objective remained the development of a stronger, more accessible and sustainable energy system capable of supporting national development and improving the quality of life of citizens.

The third-anniversary celebration comes amid growing efforts to diversify Nigeria’s energy mix, expand renewable energy deployment and strengthen the institutional and technological foundations needed to support a sustainable energy future.