The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing regional energy data integration with the third annual workshop on the ECOWAS Energy Information System (ECOWAS-EIS). The event, which took place in Lagos from February 25 to 28, saw the participation of representatives from ECOWAS member states, specialized energy agencies, and the ECOWAS Directorate of Energy and Mines. This workshop aims to improve energy data management by reinforcing the capacities of member states, enhancing the quality of energy data collection, storage, and analysis.
Launched in March 2023 in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, the ECOWAS-EIS was established to create a reliable framework for energy data collection and dissemination. The system offers real-time statistics on energy supply, consumption, electricity access, and infrastructure, addressing the region’s long-standing challenge of limited access to comprehensive energy information. According to Dabire Bayaornibè, Director of Energy and Mines at the ECOWAS Commission, the platform is transforming how member states track energy usage, outages, and overall energy access.
Nigeria has emerged as a leader in energy data management in West Africa, following the launch of its National Energy Information System (NEIS) in October 2024. The NEIS utilizes a computerized system for real-time energy statistics and has become a model for other ECOWAS member states. ECOWAS now encourages other countries in the region to adopt similar systems, as highlighted during the workshop. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, emphasized the importance of consolidating the progress made in regional energy data management.
The workshop also fostered knowledge-sharing among member states, with Guinea-Bissau’s Director of Energy Planning and Statistics, Mohammadu Saido Baldi, highlighting the value of exchanging insights to improve national energy databases. He stressed that a robust energy information system is crucial for developing informed energy policies and achieving long-term energy security. With continued collaboration and capacity-building, ECOWAS aims to strengthen regional integration and enhance energy data systems across West Africa.
SOURCE: PUNCH