The European Union (EU) has revealed plans to invest €37 million in various projects aimed at boosting hydropower, solar energy for healthcare facilities, and rural electrification, among others.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi, made this announcement during a visit to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, in Abuja. Isopi was accompanied by the new Head of Cooperation of the EU, DE Luca Massimo, and the Programme Manager on Energy, Godfrey Ogbemudia.
Isopi outlined the EU’s intervention programs in the power sector, highlighting the areas of focus for the upcoming support. These include initiatives such as small hydropower projects, solar energy installations for healthcare facilities, rural electrification through isolated and interconnected mini-grid projects, and circular economy projects within the power sector. The implementation of these projects is slated to commence within the year.
In response, Minister Adelabu expressed gratitude to the EU delegation for their continued support and emphasized the critical need for additional assistance to address the significant challenges facing Nigeria’s power sector. He identified liquidity issues as a major obstacle that the government is actively working to resolve, stressing the importance of implementing a cost-reflective tariff to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of the Nigerian electricity supply market.
Adelabu acknowledged the alignment of EU programs with the Ministry’s strategic goals for the sector, underscoring the importance of collaboration in driving sustainable development and addressing the energy needs of Nigeria’s population.
The EU’s investment in hydropower and rural electrification projects reflects its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to improve access to reliable and sustainable energy sources, ultimately contributing to socio-economic development and improved quality of life for citizens.
