The Federal Government has called on local manufacturers to adopt renewable energy to promote economic growth and sustainable development in Nigeria.
The Director of the Weights and Measures Department, Federal Ministry of Industries, Trade, and Investment, Dr Adesuyi Olajide, made this appeal during the department’s annual surveillance visit to Cadbury Nigeria Plc in Lagos.
Citing the International Renewable Energy Agency’s (IREA) projection that 90% of the world’s electricity should come from renewable energy by 2050, Olajide emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring a steady power supply and creating favourable policies for industry growth.
He urged manufacturing companies, and all Nigerians, to transition to renewable energy sources as the world moves toward greener solutions.
“The entire world is going green, and the government is encouraging industries to follow suit. Renewable energy is the future, and it is crucial for the growth of industries and the protection of our environment,” Olajide stated.
Olajide highlighted that the Weights and Measures Department plays a vital role in creating an enabling environment for industries to thrive, ensuring compliance with standards that protect consumers and businesses. He also reaffirmed the government’s dedication to safeguarding Nigerian industries through regulatory measures.
During the visit to Cadbury Nigeria, Olajide noted that the company was operating in line with regulatory standards, with only minor errors identified, all of which fell within acceptable limits. He emphasized that the surveillance exercise aimed to protect consumers by ensuring accurate measurements and fair trade practices.
“This visit is about ensuring that manufacturers provide consumers with exactly what they pay for. If a product is labeled as 60 grams, 100 grams, or 900 grams, consumers should get what they are paying for. This is why we inspect weight bridges and equipment to prevent short-changing,” he said.
Olajide explained that the department’s annual surveillance is conducted to ensure compliance, protect consumers, and promote fair trade.
In response, the Maintenance and Repair Lead at Cadbury Nigeria’s Candy Plant, Mr Taiwo Adebayo, welcomed the visit and described it as a valuable learning experience. Adebayo praised the government’s efforts, noting that the in-depth inspections provided new insights and underscored the government’s commitment to supporting industry improvement.
“I see a new level of commitment from the government. Before, officials barely spent two hours on site, but now they are here for the whole day, asking genuine questions and helping us improve. This is a welcome development,” Adebayo remarked.
