The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has proposed adoption of a stronger approach that will facilitate Industrial Energy Security and Grid Optimisation as part of a broader package of measures to restore industrial competitiveness.
To achieve this the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) should take measures to approve Eligible Customer status for contiguous industrial clusters, enabling them to enter into direct bulk Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Generation Companies (GenCos).
According to MAN, the measure would help industrial clusters bypass inefficiencies in electricity distribution and eliminate arbitrary charges.
The Association also proposed a matching-grant facility through the Bank of Industry to reduce the upfront cost for manufacturers investing in captive solar photovoltaic systems and battery storage.
The MAN also called for urgent measures to reverse the country’s declining industrial fortunes, reduce import dependence and unlock sustainable expansion in the real sector. The Association attributed the decline largely to the electricity, gas, steam and air-conditioning supply segment, which contracted by 10.63 per cent during the quarter.
