The Standards Organisation of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development, has held an inception and validation workshop on Minimum Energy Performance Standards for electric motors in Lagos. The initiative, supported by CLASP, aims to reduce energy waste, cut industrial costs, and support Nigeria’s climate commitments by improving the efficiency of electric motors widely used across manufacturing and other sectors.
SON Director-General, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to advancing energy efficiency through new standards for electric motors. Represented by the Head of Standards Department, Mr Yunusa Mohammed, Okeke said the workshop builds on earlier MEPS developed for lighting products in 2021 and 2024. He noted that energy efficiency remained a cost-effective pathway to achieving Nigeria’s energy transition goals and sustainable economic growth, adding that many industries still rely on outdated equipment, leading to high energy consumption and increased production costs.
Okeke described electric motors as critical to industrial productivity, accounting for a significant share of electricity use in the sector. He cited global estimates showing efficient motors could reduce electricity demand by up to 30 per cent and lower emissions significantly. SON is developing a comprehensive framework for standards, implementation, and compliance, with existing MEPS for appliances to be included in the fourth phase of SON’s energy labelling scheme in 2026. Electric motors will be incorporated in subsequent phases.
Executive Director of SRADeV, Dr Leslie Adogame, said the organisation had over 15 years’ experience promoting environmental sustainability and supporting policy development. He noted that the lighting initiative, supported by SRADeV, is projected to save about $2.47 billion in energy costs by 2050. He said electric motors were projected to consume about 8.6 terawatt-hours of electricity by 2025, and efficient motor systems could save 3.34 terawatt-hours and avoid 1.7 million tonnes of emissions by 2050.
CLASP Programme Manager, Ms Angellah Wekongo, highlighted the organisation’s role in advancing MEPS globally through technical support including data analysis, modelling, and capacity building for energy policies. She said MEPS for electric motors would reduce energy use, ease pressure on the national grid, and lower industrial costs, while improving competitiveness and supporting job creation through operational savings.
