If the country complies with United Nations convention to eliminate mercury from products and processes, Nigeria is to have financial savings of $2.47 billion in fluorescent lighting phase-out by 2025.
“MEPS for lighting will help and play crucial roles in reducing energy consumption, as it sets the benchmark for the energy efficiency of lighting products and drive the market towards more sustainable solutions. MEPS for lighting plays a critical role in promoting energy efficiency and sustainability in the industry, and it’s directly related to mitigating the effects of climate change,” added SON Director General, Farouk Salim.
Market Report Case Study for Lighting in Nigeria conducted by the Executive Director, SRADEV Nigeria, Dr. Leslie Adogame, revealed that CFL, which contains mercury are still in high demand in the Nigerian market as 7,457,254 kg (at cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value of N3, 499,419,973.00) was recorded by customs in a five years period, while Nigerian Bureau of Statistics recorded 15,708,249.64 kg (at a customs value of N6, 753,342,394.00) within a six-year period.
“This high demand for CFLs at a time of no best management practice for this toxic lighting increases pollution in the country. Hence, the need for immediate sustained awareness and policy change on the benefits and transition to LED lighting.
“Relatively, the volume of LED lightings recorded for these periods by Nigerian Customs Service, which amounts to 2,214,155 kg (at a CIF value of N1,437,587,176) and Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, which are 4,380,212.15kg at a customs value of N4,340,619,068 for 8541400000: Photosensitive semiconductor devices; light emitting diodes. ‘110,595,351.47kg at a customs value of N163,045,999,027.00 for 8541401000: Solar cells whether or not in modules or made up into panels’ and 3,933,005.21 kg at a customs value of N5,353,142,953.00 for 8541409000.
“Other photosensitive semiconductor devices inform that there is an increase in demand of LED product in the country. As such, Nigeria can be said to be economically ready for a transition to mercury free clean lighting,” he said.
Adogame said the phase out of fluorescent lightings will not only allow the country gain the benefits; it also aligns with eight Sustainable Development Goals aimed at ensuring the world is a safe place for everyone to survive.
“In an era of concerted efforts towards climate change, our country should not be left out in the global transition to clean lighting to achieve actions towards climate change and sustainable living,” he said.
The Consultant on MEPS, Owoeye Olakunle, said there is an average of 1,935MW maximum demand from installed lighting in Nigeria buildings and MEPS on lighting can save up to 1,032MW of power demand.
Olakunle stated that the MEPS adoption aligns with Nigeria Energy Transition Plan – 2060 carbon neutral goal, climate change Act and Nigeria Energy Plan, adding that such projects will qualify investors for Edge certificate of International Finance Corporation (IFC), green lending programme under the Global Climate Partnership Fund (GCPF) and fiscal incentives such as duty waiver and tax rebates.
For more information kindly refer to the following link https://guardian.ng/property/nigeria-to-save-2-47b-in-fluorescent-lighting-phase-out-by-2025/
