The third annual ECOWAS Energy Information System workshop is taking place in Lagos, focusing on improving energy data management across West Africa. Representatives from ECOWAS member states, specialized energy agencies like WAPP and ECREEE, and the Directorate of Energy and Mines are participating to enhance regional energy data integration.
This four-day event, from February 25 to 28, aims to boost member states' capabilities and improve energy data quality at both national and regional levels. The goal is to address challenges in collecting statistics on energy supply, usage, and availability.
The ECOWAS Energy Information System (ECOWAS-EIS), launched on March 24, 2023, in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, provides a platform for reliable collection and dissemination of energy data. It helps policymakers, investors, and researchers access accurate information.
Dabire Bayaornibè, Director of Energy and Mines at the ECOWAS Commission, emphasized progress in harmonizing energy data collection. He stated that before the implementation of ECOWAS-EIS, many states lacked comprehensive information. Now there is improved access to electricity data which aids effective monitoring.
"In previous years, several member states struggled to track energy usage and outages. Today through ECOWAS-EIS we are improving access to accurate data," said Bayaornibè.
Nigeria has implemented its National Energy Information System (NEIS) with support from the ECOWAS Commission. Launched in October 2024, it provides real-time data aiding government decisions. Bayaornibè expressed hope that Nigeria's success would be replicated across other states.
Dr Mustapha Abdullahi of Nigeria's Energy Commission noted this workshop consolidates three years of efforts toward a unified system. "The first workshop held in Accra provided an assessment; Côte d’Ivoire hosted the second leading to improvements," he said.
Guinea-Bissau’s Mohammadu Saido Baldi highlighted knowledge sharing as crucial for enhancing their national database. "A well-structured system is essential for informed policies," Baldi stated.
The workshop aligns with Priority Action 1.6 of the updated ECOWAS Energy Policy aimed at improving governance by enhancing data access and harmonization. It supports developing projects like the West African Power Pool strengthening regional integration towards Sustainable Development Goal 7 – ensuring affordable modern energy for all.
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