The European Union (EU) continues its steadfast support for Nigeria’s energy sector, introducing two groundbreaking projects totaling €9 million. Revealed during an impactful workshop in Abuja in partnership with the Federal Government and United Nations Industrial Development Organization, these initiatives aim to revolutionize Nigeria’s energy landscape and foster a circular economy.
Nigeria, home to over 200 million people, has long grappled with energy challenges, with per capita electricity consumption lagging significantly behind countries like South Africa. Despite this, the Central Bank of Nigeria reports alarming data on the country’s energy usage, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
The newly launched projects, Small Hydro Power Development for Agro-industry Use in Nigeria (SHP-DAIN) and Advancing Nigeria’s Green Transition to Net Zero through Circular Economy Practices, mark a significant step towards addressing Nigeria’s energy woes. With budgets of €5 million and €4 million respectively over three years, these projects underscore the EU’s commitment to fostering sustainability and combating climate change.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Samuela Isopi, emphasized the transformative impact of these projects. She outlined how SHP-DAIN will bolster small hydropower capacity, particularly benefiting agricultural and industrial sectors. Additionally, the Circular Economy Practices project aims to revolutionize the management of used energy equipment and plastics, mitigating pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Ms. Isopi stressed the importance of private sector involvement in project success, highlighting the initiatives’ cross-cutting strategies for sustainability, gender inclusivity, and robust monitoring mechanisms.
Minister of Power, Adelabu Adebayo, echoed optimism about the projects’ potential. He believes they will not only improve energy equipment management and agricultural productivity but also elevate livelihoods across Nigeria. With the launch of Project Steering Committees, the path is set for these initiatives to drive tangible change and propel Nigeria towards a greener, more resilient future.
