The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has revealed that inadequate maintenance practices account for significant energy wastage in the industrial sector, with estimates ranging from 10% to 15%. This staggering loss can be attributed to the lack of sub-metering systems in many facilities, which are essential for accurately tracking energy consumption. These insights were shared during a recent National Stakeholders’ Sensitisation Workshop in Lagos, where MAN presented findings from a Cleaner Production Assessment conducted across 42 industries in four geopolitical zones.

The assessment was part of the GEF-UNIDO Industrial Energy Efficiency and Resource Efficiency Cleaner Production Project and included various sectors such as food and beverages, textiles, basic metals, wood products, and petrochemicals. The study demonstrated a clear disparity between the current practices in Nigerian industries and established global best practices for energy efficiency. According to Obafemi Adejumo, the IEE and RECP National Expert, these findings highlight crucial inefficiencies that need to be addressed to improve the country's industrial competitiveness.

This problem of energy waste due to maintenance lapses has broader implications for Nigeria’s industrial growth and sustainability. Addressing these inefficiencies not only has the potential to reduce operational costs for businesses but also to contribute to Nigeria's overall energy goals. As the country strives to improve its industrial performance and sustainability, these revelations could lead to further calls for investment in energy management systems and adherence to international standards such as ISO 50001 and 14001, which emphasize energy efficiency and environmental management in industrial settings.