By Heapnews
A University of Lagos professor, Isaiah Akoteyon, has urged the Federal Government and private sector to increase investment in renewable energy technology, research and development to improve efficiency and support climate change mitigation.
Akoteyon, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, made the call on Thursday at the 6th Annual Conference and Induction of Associate Members of the Society of Energy Administrators of Nigeria (SEA) in Lagos.
He said increased funding for research and development was needed to improve renewable energy efficiency, develop energy storage solutions and strengthen integration with the national grid.
“There should also be policy integration of environmental considerations. Governments should set stricter environmental regulations to limit emissions from fossil fuels, and this is a major standard,” he said.
The professor also called for wider adoption of energy-efficient technologies, improved public awareness of energy conservation and measures to expand access to energy.
He said public education campaigns could encourage consumers to reduce energy use and adopt more efficient practices, helping to cut carbon emissions and overall energy consumption.
Akoteyon further highlighted cross-border energy integration as an important measure for improving energy access and advancing sustainable development.
The conference was themed “Advancing Energy Process Environment Climate Adaptation Standardisation: Panacea for Climate Change and Sustainable Cities and Communities in Nigeria.”
Speaking at the event, Sesan Odukoya, Director of Oil and Gas at the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, said the state government was willing to collaborate with the society to promote a cleaner environment.
Odukoya, who represented Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), commended the society for its initiatives to protect the environment.
Diran Fawibe, SEA Chairman, said the organisation had continued to work towards strengthening energy administration and supporting members in carrying out their professional responsibilities.
Ismaila Lawal, Head of the Electrical Laboratory at the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), described the society’s activities as significant and urged it to formally engage SON’s management to facilitate the organisation’s involvement in its activities.
Earlier, Yekeen Adeboye, SEA President and Project Director, commended the Federal Government for efforts to advance energy security and transition policies.
He also welcomed initiatives promoting compressed natural gas (CNG), electric vehicles and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as alternatives to conventional fossil fuels and cleaner household energy options.
Adeboye described SEA as a professional body for energy operations and compliance administrators, organised into two divisions: Energy Process Engineering Compliance Administrators (EPECA) and Energy Compliance Administrators (EPMCA).
He said the society would continue to provide technical guidance and promote energy administration in support of sustainable development goals in Nigeria and globally.
The event also featured the induction of associate members, who took their oaths of office and received certificates.
Source: NAN