Welcome address by the chairman 8th edition of naee 23 Oct 2018 by Dr Chidi Magnus

1. WELCOME ADDRESS BY THE CHAIRMAN 8Th EDITION OF NAEE DR CHIDI M.
ONUOHA AT SHEHU YARADUA CONFERENCE CENTER, ABUJA, 23RD-25TH
OCTOBER, 2018
PROTOCOLS
May I on behalf of the organisers welcome you to the 8th edition of the Nigeria
Alternative Energy Expo (NAEE).
As you are aware, the NAEE which is the flagship of Sustainable Energy Practitioners
Association of Nigeria (SEPAN) represents Nigeria's largest gathering of policy makers,
researchers, diplomats, manufacturers, Investors, Exhibitors and consumers alike
coming together to brainstorm and bring to the fore issues that appropriately place the
Nigerian nay global economy on the path to green growth paradigm.
In our previous Expos, we have had course to raise several concerns such as the
cataclysmic nature of climate change, deficiency in energy infrastructure over the years
in Nigeria, importation of substandard renewable energy products in Nigeria as this has
painted genuine investors in the sector in bad light, dearth of local capacity for
technicians, installers and artisans in the RE space, non proactiveness, independence
and transparent nature of regulatory agencies in the renewable energy and energy
efficient space, amongst others.But we seem to be winning the war. Though it is not yet
uhuru.
However, we commend the Federal government effort at meanstreaming the green
growth agenda in our national life. The various policy measures: the Renewable Energy
and Energy Efficient (REEP), ratification of the Paris Agreement ( the potency of our
Nationally Determined Contribution, NDC), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the
Climate Change Framework Bill passed into law but waiting Mr President assent,
amongst others all pointers to the government mainstreaming efforts.
Kudos also to the private sector as well especially those genuine investors who have
borne the risk over the years without government support. Posterity will not forget you
all when the history of green growth will be written in Nigeria. I therefore implore the
government to give these genuine investors the benefit of the 'right of first refusal' in the
next round the Power Purchase Agreement. We also commend them at making efforts
at developing local capacity especially the setting up of Asteven Renewable Energy
Academy at Lagos Ibadan Express Way Aseese Ogun state, Blue Carmel Academy in
Kaduna, Auxano Solar panels, Anergy amongst others.
Finally, this year's theme is very apt: Liberating Economic Drive with Clean Energy. As
we look forward to the various presentations in the three day event- exploring new
markets and opportunities; local content and capacity building; minigrids and
innovations; alternative financing; waste to wealth management; climate advocacy,
amongst others. Be rest assured that we are not singing new songs for green growth
agenda but we are ensuring that our songs resonates and leapfrogs that they will grow

2. beyond measure. This is our commitment and we shall not rest until clean and
affordable energy for sustainable development is achieved in our country.
Thanks for your kind attention and welcome.
Dr Magnus C.Onuoha
Chairman NAEE/
President, SEPAN