The Nigerian government has revealed that it will commence the implementation of minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for air conditioners by 2026 to promote energy efficiency across the country.
This was revealed by the national coordinator of the National Sustainable Cooling Project (NSCP), Etiosa Uyigue during an interview on Channels Television as part of the project’s sensitisation drive on the newly approved MEPS for ACs.
He explained that the introduction of MEPS will regulate the energy consumption of products such as air conditioners and will be enforced by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) on behalf of the government to ensure compliance with efficiency guidelines nationwide.
The national coordinator stressed that the enforcement of energy labels to guide consumers about the efficiency of appliances will also begin by 2026. He explained that being energy efficient simply means using less energy to perform the same task, which not only conserves energy but also reduces costs for households and businesses.
Uyigue pointed out that electricity generation in Nigeria remains insufficient for its growing population, but improved efficiency will lower electricity demand and help optimise the grid system, ensuring a more stable supply for everyone. He said the official title of the initiative is “Scaling Up Energy Efficient and Climate-Friendly Cooling in Nigeria.”
Speaking further on the project’s goals, Uyigue said it is designed to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient air conditioners, encouraging a climate-conscious cooling approach in the country. He noted that by switching to energy-efficient appliances and practices, individuals and organisations alike can reduce their electricity bills and support a cleaner, more sustainable environment.
He highlighted that prioritising energy efficiency is vital for Nigeria, especially given the twin challenges of rising energy consumption and the urgent need to tackle climate change. He explained that efficient energy use means achieving the same level of comfort or service with less energy input, directly translating to lower costs and a smaller carbon footprint.
Uyigue added that phasing out inefficient products is a gradual process that will remove outdated appliances from the market as newer, compliant models meet the required standards. He stated that inefficient refrigerants with high global warming potential will also be replaced over time as regulations tighten.
He further explained that to measure the energy efficiency of air conditioners, two key metrics are used: the seasonal efficiency ratio and the energy efficiency ratio. These benchmarks will guide manufacturers in proper product labelling and help consumers make informed choices.
Uyigue called for collective efforts to tackle greenhouse gas emissions and urged Nigerians to adopt more sustainable measures to protect the environment for future generations.