Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi: One year score card

“Where there is no vision, there is no hope.” – George Washington Carver;

Carver a black American agricultural chemist, agronomist, experimenter and scientist invented more than 300 uses for the peanut. He made the above assertion when he alluded to the connectivity between vision and hope.

Like a twinkle of an eye, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, in a matter of days will mark one year in office, having been appointed on October 23, 2023.

Industry watchers however have been amazed with his glaring milestones in the space of 365 days, judging from an experience of near-obscurity of the Commission’s creation over 4 decades ago.

THE CLARION CALL

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, made it abundantly clear when he coined the catchphrase for his campaign – Renewed Hope. The choice of ‘Renewed Hope’ as the campaign shibboleth or what is popularly referred to as ‘slogan’ was not an accident, but of a determined mind who was out to give hope to the hopeless, succour to the crestfallen, and relief to the forlornly downtrodden.

Mr. President was intentional about his vision for running for the numero uno seat. It is the more reason he asked that people should not pity him. He asked for the job. And like Theodore Hesburgh, a renowned American priest and academic once said, “The very essence of leadership is that you have to have a vision. It’s got to be a vision you articulate clearly and forcefully on every occasion. You can’t blow an uncertain trumpet.” President Tinubu is determined to rewrite the Nigerian story and put her on a trajectory of progressive hallmark and shared prosperity. This was why he sounded a note of warning to his minister-designates at the outset, and by extension, all his other appointees across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to throw in their letter of resignation if they knew they could not match his vision with measurable milestones in their various offices.

This further implies every appointee who desires on-the-job accolades must not only be seen acting the Renewed Hope mandate in their various areas of responsibilities, but must truly activate steps and mechanisms that will contribute to the overall goal congruence of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) – which is to retool Nigeria in all facets for the good of all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, ethnic bias, religion and/or tongue.

This is in line with the promise of Mr. President during the campaigns. And a clarion calls for Dr. Abdullahi which has hitherto lived up to expectations.

1. ABDULLAHI AS A VISIONARY

On resumption of office and in line with Mr. President’s mindset, the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi did not mince words when he averred, in line with the vision and mission of the Commission that;  “Under my stewardship and with the support of our dedicated staff and stakeholders, the ECN as the Lead Agency in the country’s push for energy transition will set the tone for economic development based on progressive innovation and policy initiatives as envisioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.”

From his position, it is crystal clear that as the new honcho in charge of the country’s lead agency on energy wherewithal, he is in the Commission with a clear agenda as to give new direction on the energy economy.

He is poised to drive the country’s energy economy from a vista of excellence, industry, results and dedication to national growth and development.

To achieve his set objectives therefore, he rolled out a 5-point agenda from the day he assumed office as the numero uno of the Commission.

These are what his blueprint revolves around and will include;

• Integration of the Renewable and Alternative Energy Policy Structure into the Mainstream National Energy Architecture.

• Immediate facilitation of the actualisation of the Energy Transition Plan

• Facilitation of Research and Development Funding and Partnership Initiatives in the Energy Sector.

• Review of extant Energy Policies, Initiatives and Frameworks to stimulate economic development.

• Facilitation of improved welfare consideration for staff of the Commission commensurate with standards in the Energy Sector.

1. ABDULLAHI AS A BRAND AMBASSADOR

Until in recent months, not many Nigerians were aware of the existence of an agency  called the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN). Like a man with Midas touch, Dr. Abdullahi brought the Commission to global limelight when he engaged with the United States former Secretary of State, John Kerry and other world leaders at the #COP28UAE where he highlighted his leadership efforts in the area of energy  transition.

This one huge notable footprint will remain indelible in the annals of the Energy Commission of Nigeria’s (ECN) history.

The image like never before that the Commission currently enjoys, not only in the country, but also across the globe. Dr. Abdullahi’s efforts at bringing the Commission out of near-obscurity to global prominence is highly commendable.

Aside his outstanding performance at the annual global event, #COP28UAE, Dr. Abdulahi had represented the country in other international events including the G20 Energy Summit in Brasilia, Brazil where he spoke on behalf of Africa, emphasising energy transitions and net-zero emissions, and in Cape Town, South Africa where he presented a paper at the Africa Energy Indaba Summit alongside other global energy experts.

1. ABDULLAHI AS A MOVING ENERGISER

If there exists anything Dr. Abdullahi has in common with President Tinubu, it is the hunger for excellence in service delivery or quality leadership deliverables.

The energy Chief Executive knew his job was already cut out for him. For a Commission under The Presidency that had lasted over 4 decades in existence and its near-obscurity in the country’s energy sector. For him, there was no better time than now to make a statement of a complete paradigm shift in the way things were hitherto conducted.

And from his activities in the last one year, Dr. Abdullahi has shown himself as an ‘energiser’ in motion. From providing leadership for West African sub-region and beyond, to leading advocacy on energy transition from fossil fuel in international space, and a resolve to exploring renewable and alternative energy to provide homegrown solutions to the energy needs of the Nigerian people.

As the new Chairman, Nigeria National Committee on World Energy Council (NNC WEC), he had proposed to activate mechanisms with the Economic Community of West African  States (ECOWAS) geared towards instauration of novel action plans that would not only change the ugly story of the energy economy of the country, but also that of West Africa sub-region and Africa as a whole. He is, at the moment working  through tapping opportunities through the West African Power Pool (WAPP), an institution within the ECOWAS to chart a new cause for the energy economy for the country, Africans.

1. ABDULLAHI AS A TOTAL WELFARIST

Efficiency often times is a corollary of staff motivation at work place. A value-driven leadership spurs its workforce to efficiency and optimal performance through  incentives and conducive working environment. Dr. Abdullahi as a leader with ample experience that cuts across the globe recognises workers’ psyche at work, especially when such workforce is motivated. He understands that remuneration is a major factor in the determination of a worker’s productivity. He is aware of the near-zero motivation and he was prepared to address the situation frontally by making the necessary moves that would ultimately enliven the workers’ spirit and gear them towards the overall success of his leadership at the Commission.

Remuneration

Dr Abdullahi on assumption of office, knowing the importance of good remuneration for members of staff and the role it plays in gearing them to put in their best, activated various steps in making sure that staff’s welfare is put at utmost priority.

In a bid to actualize this, he established contacts with members of the National Assembly, Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission on possible wage review.

CAPACITY BUILDING

The Energy expert recognises the value of Human Capital Development in driving positive change. He understands the Commission is largely knowledge-driven.

Therefore, another milestone he has recorded in a space of few months was to ensure workers undergo serious trainings and re-trainings to enhance their capacity with overall effect on their productivity.

Dr. Abdullahi was able to secure two fully-funded PhD foreign scholarships (UK) from the Petroleum Trust Development Fund (PTDF) for two (2) of the Commission’s members of staff. Also, he secured three (3) Masters degree scholarships (Japan) to members of staff through JICA.

He believes such opportunity will not only motivate other staff, but also increase brain gain in the Commission when such staff return to contribute their quota.

LAYING FOUNDATION FOR ENERGY PROSPERITY

Barely 7 months after his assumption of office, precisely on May 8, 2024, the ECN numero uno unveiled a twin document on National Energy Policy (NEP) and National Energy Master Plan (NEMP). The first time in the Commission’s over 40 years of existence. The event which held at the Main Auditorium of the Petroleum Trust Development Fund (PTDF) building had in attendance critical stakeholders from the Energy sector including Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Heads of Government Agencies and Private Sector Practitioners and the Special Adviser to Mr. President on Energy, Ms. Olubukola Arowolo Verheijen who did the unveiling.

The 2 documents would go on to provide foundation and pathway for the country’s energy development.

IN PUBLIC INTEREST

Wood Stove, Safer Environment

As a responsive leader who is committed to a safer environment as entrenched in his mandate, Dr. Abdullahi’s leadership pioneered the Commission’s Clean Cooking advocacy with presentation of clean cooking wood stoves to the Nigerian public. This was part of his commitment during the #COP28UAE where he delivered a masterpiece as a representative of President Bola Tinubu to enlist the country on the #CleanCoolingPledge at the gathering of over 70,000 world leaders.

Barely 4 months after the event, he launched the Clean Cooking Wood Stove Initiative in line with this global pledge. The pilot scheme held at Kurudu, Mararaba, Nasarawa State saw wood stoves with low emissions distributed to women. The initiative is to ultimately guarantee a safer environment, especially in the country’s hinterlands.

Alternative Energy Through Photovoltaic (PV) Electricity

On Saturday, July 27, 2024, the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) under Dr. Abdullahi performed a groundbreaking ceremony of Assembly Plant construction at Ihunekwagu Autonomous Community, Akpugo in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State. The event came up as a corollary of the need to boost access to affordable electricity in the country, and to take several communities off the national grid.

In addressing the electricity menace therefore, the visionary Chief Executive of the Energy Commission saw an opportunity in photovoltaic (PV) electricity to provide alternative energy to millions of households. Hence, consolidating the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President. Such solar PV module assembling plant which will provide sustainable, reliable, and decentralized power source capable of reaching the remotest part of the country – thereby giving light and hope to Nigerians.

Renewable Energy College

Dr. Abdullahi’s leadership on Saturday, August 10, 2024 scored another record breaking milestone with groundbreaking ceremony of Barefoot Renewable Energy College (BRE College), Osara, Kogi State. The concept of a Renewable Energy College was in line with the manifesto of President Tinubu whose part agenda is to explore various energy potential of the country.

The college is a leap further into transitioning from fossil-based energy resources to renewable energy. The Barefoot Renewable Energy College was conceptualised to bridge the energy manpower gap, drive innovation, competence, and self-reliance in the renewable energy sector. The future is assured with a safer environment and a cleaner energy.

SYNERGY/COLLABORATION FOR DEVELOPMENT

The Energy Commission boss, in furtherance of his mandate, as the lead agency in the country’s energy pursuits, to leapfrog the Commission for optimal performance in its responsibilities did enter into synergy and collaboration with a number of development partners, international organisations as well as relevant and critical stakeholders. Prominent among these efforts include;

• The United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP) and Clean Cooling Collaborative (CCC) on Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) in the area of air conditioners that aims to reduce carbon emissions, thereby leading to safer environment.

• Signing up a tripartite wind energy agreement at the #COP28UAE held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates with the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) and the Niger State Government.

• Teaming up with the United Kingdom’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) for energy planning workshop.

• Collaboration with DEWA and the European Union (EU) delegation on energy transition initiative of his leadership at the Commission.

• Capacity building of the Commission’s staff with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

• Entered into partnership agreement with the National Biomass Ethanol Programme (NBEP) amongst others.

As we celebrate this young Nigerian for his verifiable leadership milestones and  footprints in a space of one year of assumption of office, it is equally germane that it is worth placing on record that Dr. Abdullahi will lead and coordinate the record breaking Nigeria-Germany $130billion Global Hydrogen Project from the Office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic. Such pedestal does not come on a platter of gold, but of capacity, competence and trust in this jewel from the savannah.

For now and even years to come, the man, Dr. Abdullahi does not look like somebody who is backing down. For him, the task of helping Mr. President achieve his aim of reworking and retooling Nigeria for Nigerians is a cause that cannot be compromised.

And there is no stopping. Not now, not anytime soon.

Emete Am is a media analyst