In its ongoing commitment to bolster Nigeria’s energy sector and advance its sustainability goals, the European Union (EU) has launched two new projects valued at €9 million.
This announcement was made during a project inception workshop held in Abuja, in collaboration with the Federal Government and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization.
Nigeria, with a population exceeding 200 million, faces significant challenges in energy access and consumption compared to countries like South Africa.
The disparity underscores the urgent need for interventions to improve Nigeria’s energy landscape, given its low power generation and inadequate distribution infrastructure.
The newly introduced projects, namely the Small Hydro Power Development for Agro-industry Use in Nigeria (SHP-DAIN) and Advancing Nigeria’s Green and Just Transition to Net Zero through Circular Economy Practices, aim to address these energy deficiencies.
SHP-DAIN, with a budget of €5 million, focuses on enhancing small hydropower capacity for agro-industrial use, promoting productivity along agricultural value chains, and fostering food security and employment opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Circular Economy Practices project, allocated €4 million, aims to manage used off-grid energy equipment and plastics through circular economy principles to mitigate pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, both projects align with the EU Global Gateway Strategy, which seeks to enhance connectivity, economic growth, and sustainability through collaborative efforts.
These initiatives represent significant steps toward Nigeria’s transition to a sustainable and environmentally responsible future, aligning with its goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2060.
During the launch event in Abuja, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms Samuela Isopi, highlighted the objectives of the projects. She emphasized SHP-DAIN’s role in increasing small hydropower capacity across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones and promoting policy frameworks for renewable energy.
Also, she outlined the Circular Economy Practices project’s focus on improving the management of used energy equipment and plastics, strengthening policy frameworks, and supporting SME-led circular economy practices.
The Minister of Power, Adelabu Adebayo, expressed confidence in the projects’ potential to enhance energy management, agricultural productivity, and livelihoods.
He inaugurated Project Steering Committees to oversee the successful implementation of the initiatives, underscoring the importance of private sector engagement in driving sustainable development.
Overall, these EU-funded projects signal a significant stride towards Nigeria’s energy sustainability goals and contribute to its broader agenda of environmental stewardship and economic development.
