Campaign for cleaner energy transition in Nigeria has further gained a boost with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) securing of a $1Bn Global Environment Facility (GEF) to drive progress on interventions.

Deployed under the GEF – UNIDO IEE and RECP project, the funding is assisting training across key Nigerian cities to build domestic expert capacity at developing and sustaining efficient cleaner energy systems, and for banks and other financial institutions to support bankable business plans and enhanced access to finance for cleaner and energy-efficient production practices.

On the Lagos leg held days back, Olumide Olawale, Facilitator, captured that trainings were being organized under the national Industrial Energy Performance and Resource-Efficient Cleaner Production Project framework.  

He explained that, “The GEF – UNIDO IEE & RECP project involves technical trainings around Nigeria with learning objective to build participants’ capacity to develop practical, fundable business plans anchored on RECP/IEE methodologies; improve understanding of financial modeling, risk management, and investment readiness in the clean energy space.

“The Lagos training provided hands-on exposure to essential financial planning tools, business case design, and funding strategies. It featured extensive group work, stakeholder interaction, and practical case study exercises.”

He added that technical stakeholders and finance experts had their skills upscaled on developing bankable business plans and creating access to finance for implementing cleaner energy efficient production practices. 

“This would help participants strengthen ability to frame and pitch bankable business cases to financial institutions and to foster alignment between technical, industrial, and financial sector stakeholders as well as equip participants with practical knowledge of financing opportunities and project preparation strategies”, he further highlighted.

Olawale led in review of key concepts around industrial energy efficiency and resource efficient cleaner production, providing a foundation for financial discussions on business planning and corporate strategy phases, as well as preparing bankable business plan.

Jacob Oladipo, National Project Coordinator, gave overview on the GEF-UNIDO IEE & RECP Project, emphasizing that the training was part of the project’s efforts to integrate financial viability into technical solutions and encourage industries to invest in sustainable energy practices.

“Participants applied theoretical knowledge to real-world energy efficiency challenges using the ‘GreenWeaves Textiles Limited’ case. The strategy would involve programmatic approaches and promotion of innovation in clean technology solutions”, he noted.

Participants following the two day interacting sessions attested to improved knowledge and enhanced disposition to collaboration among stakeholders, improved understanding of project risk and mitigation planning, development of actionable plans to initiate funding proposals, and reinforced project visibility through media and participant engagement.