The European Union (EU) has announced a significant commitment of 37 million Euros towards bolstering Nigeria’s power sector, aiming to address longstanding challenges and enhance access to electricity across the country.
Ambassador Samuela Isopi, leading the EU delegation to Nigeria, revealed the investment during a meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, held on Friday in Abuja. Joined by Mr. Luca Massimo, the new Head of Cooperation, and Mr. Godfrey Ogbemudia, Programme Manager on Energy, Isopi emphasized that this financial injection is separate from the approximately 200 million Euros previously allocated to the sector since 2008.
Highlighting the EU’s ongoing support initiatives within Nigeria’s power sector, Ambassador Isopi outlined specific areas of focus for the current investment. These include the implementation of small-scale hydro-power projects, the integration of solar energy systems in healthcare facilities, and initiatives targeting rural electrification through both isolated and interconnected mini-grid systems, emphasizing a commitment to a circular economy approach.
The envoy confirmed that these projects would kick off imminently, underscoring the EU’s dedication to facilitating sustainable energy solutions in Nigeria.
During the meeting, Ambassador Isopi extended an invitation to the minister for the upcoming inauguration of two projects funded by the EU and executed by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), further highlighting the collaborative efforts between international organizations and Nigeria in advancing the country’s energy infrastructure.
In response, Minister Adelabu, accompanied by his Chief Technical Advisor, Mr. Adedayo Olowoniyi, expressed gratitude for the EU’s continued support to Nigeria’s power sector. Adelabu emphasized the significance of additional assistance in overcoming the sector’s considerable challenges, particularly citing liquidity issues as a primary concern.
Adelabu stressed the importance of implementing a cost-reflective tariff structure to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of the energy market, aligning with the government’s ongoing efforts to address fundamental issues within the sector.
The minister lauded the EU’s programs for their alignment with the ministry’s strategic objectives and pledged collaboration to advance initiatives such as small hydro-power projects and state electrification endeavors, in line with the objectives outlined in the new Electricity Act.
