The Global Environment Facility-United Nations Industrial Development Organisation Industrial Energy Efficiency and Resource Efficient Cleaner Production project was implemented to industrialise Nigeria without degrading its environment.

The minister of environment, Balarabe Lawal, said this on Wednesday at the closing ceremony of the GEF–UNIDO Industrial Energy Efficiency and Resource-Efficient Cleaner Production project in Abuja.

The project was funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation. This was done in partnership with Nigerian institutions and the private sector.

Mr Lawal said the initiative had demonstrated that Nigeria could industrialise without degrading its environment.

The minister described the project’s outcome as a “transformation” rather than just the completion of a programme.

The  minister said one of the most significant achievements of the project was the development of human capacity, with over 200 professionals, including regulators, policymakers, and industry experts, trained in energy efficiency and cleaner production techniques on IEE and RECP.

He said that beyond training, the initiative also integrated RECP into university curricula, ensuring that future engineers and industrial designers embed sustainability into their work from the outset.

According to him, Nigeria has also established, for the first time, a national database of industrial waste hotspots and energy-intensive enterprises, providing a critical tool for policy planning and investment decisions.

”In addition, groundwork has been completed for the establishment of a National Cleaner Production Centre, which would serve as a long-term hub for innovation, policy support, and technical advisory services to industry,” he said.

Mr Lawal thanked GEF-UNIDO and other partners for the initiative, adding that the  Federal Government would champion and expand the adoption of cleaner production practices across all 36 states, particularly among small and medium enterprises.

National project coordinator, IEE and RECP, Jacob Oladipo, said the project achieved measurable results within participating industries, including cleaner production assessments, technical training, and international certifications.

“This initiative recognised industries demonstrating excellence and early adoption of IEE & RECP methodologies,celebrating  outstanding performers and motivated broader industry participation in resource efficiency and environmental sustainability.

“There was also  continuous improvement, reinforcing our collective commitment to competitiveness and sustainability within Nigeria’s industrial landscape,” said Mr Oladipo.

(NAN)