The third annual workshop on the ECOWAS Energy Information System (ECOWAS-EIS) is advancing energy data management and integration across West Africa. Held in Lagos from February 25 to 28, the event brings together representatives from ECOWAS member states, specialized energy agencies, and the ECOWAS Directorate of Energy and Mines to enhance energy data collection and quality at both national and regional levels.
Launched in March 2023 in Guinea-Bissau, ECOWAS-EIS was developed to provide reliable energy statistics on supply, usage, and availability. The system aims to support policymakers, investors, and researchers with accurate information for effective planning and decision-making. ECOWAS Director of Energy and Mines, Dabire Bayaornibè, highlighted the progress made in standardizing energy data, noting that before ECOWAS-EIS, several member states struggled with tracking energy production, consumption, and outages.
Nigeria has been a frontrunner in this initiative, launching its National Energy Information System (NEIS) in October 2024 with ECOWAS support. The computerized platform now provides real-time data, aiding both government and private-sector decision-making. Bayaornibè stated that ECOWAS aims to replicate Nigeria’s model across the region.
Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, represented by Mohammed Adam Mundu, described the Lagos workshop as a crucial step in consolidating efforts toward a unified regional energy data system. Previous editions, held in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, laid the groundwork for improved data collection, while this year’s workshop focuses on expanding the system’s reach across member states.
With better access to accurate energy data, ECOWAS seeks to enhance regional energy planning, improve efficiency, and drive sustainable energy development across West Africa.
