FIFTH EDITION OF THE NIGERIA’S ALTERNATIVE ENERGY EXPOSITION HELD AT SHEHU YAR’ADUA CONFERENCE CENTRE, ABUJA , BETWEEN OCTOBER 14^TH -16^TH 2015

COMMUNIQUE

The Fifth edition of the Nigeria’s Alternative Energy Exposition (NAEE) took place from October 14^th to 16^th 2015 at Shehu Yar’adua Conference Centre Abuja.

The NAEE, Nigeria’s largest gathering of policy makers, researchers, manufacturers, investors and consumers brainstormed on how to provide best practices in clean, affordable, and equitable energy sufficiency in the 21^st Century.

The three-day Conference attracted dignitaries including the representative of President Muhammadu Buhari and Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Power, Ambassador Godknows Igali, French Ambassador to Nigeria, Denys Gauer, Director General/ CEO, Energy Commission of Nigeria, Prof Eli Jidere Bala, Minister Plenipotentiary, French Ambassador for Climate in Africa and the Middle East, Stephane Gompertz, Engr Adebisi, Director Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Department of the Federal Ministry of Power, Engr Adebisi, among other numerous participants from the private and public sectors, academic and the civil society organization. Over thirty (20) manufacturers in renewable energy sector exhibited their products.

Key technical papers presented include but not limited to the following: Renewable energy and energy problems in Nigeria, the role of government s and policy in facilitating the growth of the off-grid lighting market, how to tap into the potential for renewable energy generation in Nigeria, challenges of funding energy infrastructure vis-a vis the various investment models, evolving partnerships for renewable energy : finding a sustainable win-win situation for Nigeria, success story rural energy access project, x-raying the energy profile of Nigeria, COP 21 , climate change and renewable energy, what does it mean to go green?, among others.

At the end of the three-day Conference, delegates resolved as follows:

1. To thank the organisers of Nigeria Alternative Energy Expo (NAEE) for the past five years running for their foresight and consistency in propagating the message of alternative (renewable) energy despite daunting challenges.
2. To Commend the Federal Government for putting in place the Renewable Energy Policy (REP) and Energy Efficiency Policy (EEP) document. The REP document, no doubt, will serve as a blue print for sustainable supply and utilization of renewable energy sources within the economy for both on-grid and off-grid solutions. The document also advances an energy efficiency policy (EEP) which is also a source of energy since it would reduce inefficient consumption, thereby providing greater access to electricity consumers.
3. That we note with concern the deficiency in our energy infrastructure over the years in Nigeria and being the biggest economy in Africa with over $510 billion as shown by the recent rebasing of the economy, the need to expand the services is imperative hence the drive towards renewable energy.
4. That the Federal Government through Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) with the support from Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) should oversee the importation of quality renewable energy products into the country. Importation of substandard products by quacks has painted genuine investors in the sector in bad light.
5. That the Federal Government should ensure that Renewable energy is a mainstream investment s supported by Feed- in- Tarrifs as is obtainable in other climes. Accordingly, we implore on the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and Distributing Companies (DISCO’s) to act decisively by providing regulatory framework for on and off-grid solution and the Nigerian Customs providing zero duty for renewable products as stipulated in Renewable Energy Policy (REP).
6. That there is the need to for collaboration between the Federal and State Government and the Private Sector to support training and job creation provided by off-grid renewable energy market for technicians, installers and artisans.
7. That the cost of investing in renewable energy infrastructure is unreasonable high(interest rate alone is over 26%) and we therefore call on relevant institutions to ensure that there is a downward trend in this regard so as to achieve sustainable production and consumption in the sector.
8. That we allay the fears of Nigerians as to sustainable investment in bio-fuel and ethanol of renewable energy and the challenges of food insecurity in the country. We note that 43 % of the Nigerian land is arable, yet less than 10% is cultivated. However, we advise that investors should in the interim focus on non edible and high yielding plants such as Alamanda Trica, Jathropha and neem as against edible plants such as palm oil, cocoanut, sugar cane, cassava etc
9. That the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) should re-invent itself as the Renewable Energy Development Agency and focus on the promotion of off-grid, mini-grid renewable energy solutions working with the private sectors investors to achieve fast rural electrification.
10. That we Stakeholders should begin to share knowledge and not hoard it, as well as update our research. This will to a large extent help the sector grow.
11. That the renewable energy and energy efficient policy will only be more potent if it is backed by law. This will boost access to energy services and ensure the sustainable growth of clean energy contribution to Nigeria’s energy mix and attract investors to the sector. Therefore we will support and encourage the Green Economy Nigeria Bill(GENB) soon be on the floor of the National Assembly which seeks to give legal teeth to sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and infrastructure.
12. That there is the urgent need for us as Stakeholders in the renewable energy sector to have a Voice (an Association) as is obtained in other professional bodies in Nigeria to fast track and monitor progress made from these resolutions and indeed other issues that will be in the overall interest of the Members. Hence the formation of Nigeria Sustainable Energy Group(NSEG)
13. That the following Delegate be appointed as interim members of the National Steering Committee of Nigeria Sustainable Energy Group (NSEG). Dr Chidi Magnus Onuoha, Dr Emmanuel Onyejeose, Suleiman Yusuf, Segun Adaju, Dr Sunny Akpoyibo, Chris Edeh, Dr Amina Batagarawa, Obinwanne Okechukwu, Larry Edeh, and Adenike Akinsemotu. They are expected to come up with operational modalities (Framework), objectives, constitution, and laise with a reputable lawyer for the speedy registration of the Association at the Corporate Affairs Commission.
14. That we call on Federal Government to a matter of urgency submit our Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) to the INDC Secretariat ahead of COP 21 Climate Conference in Paris between November 30 and December 11, 2015. The INDC document will be Nigeria’s response to the decision adopted by COP 19 and 20 Sessions, inviting Parties to communicate to the Secretariat of INDC’s towards achieving the objectives of the UNFCCC as set out in the Article 2 of the Convention.
15. That we implore on the banks to support the Nigerian process in the negotiation through empowering negotiators to secure a fair deal for Nigeria in the new climate change agreement. The Nigeria Sustainable Energy Group (NSEG) has the capacity to make reasonable input and be part of Nigeria’s delegation to negotiate for Nigeria (huge potentials abound for renewable energy during negotiation).
16. The Conference commends delegates, exhibitors and indeed other stakeholders for their attendance and participation.

Signed:

Prof. Emmanuel Onyejeose

Dr Amina Batagarawa,

Dr Chidi Magnus Onuoha

Suleiman Yusuf,

Dr. Segun Adaju,

Dr Sunny Akpoyibo,

Larry Edeh

Dr. Adenike Akinsemotu