The European Union (EU) has revealed its intention to inject an additional €37 million into initiatives aimed at bolstering hydropower, solar for healthcare facilities, rural electrification, and both isolated and interconnected mini-grid projects, among other endeavors in Nigeria.
This commitment is in addition to the €200 million in grants that the EU has already invested in the Nigerian power sector since 2008. EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi, made this announcement during a visit to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, in Abuja, accompanied by DE Luca Massimo, the new Head of Cooperation of the EU, and Godfrey Ogbemudia, the Program Manager on Energy.
Ambassador Isopi outlined the EU’s intervention programs in the power sector, specifying that the forthcoming support would encompass small hydropower, solar installations for healthcare facilities, rural electrification incorporating isolated and interconnected mini-grids projects, and a circular economy project in the power sector. These projects are slated to commence this year.
Minister Adelabu, expressing gratitude for the ongoing support from the EU delegation, acknowledged the challenges faced by Nigeria in the power sector. He identified liquidity issues as a primary concern and highlighted the government’s efforts to address them. Emphasizing the importance of a cost-reflective tariff for the sustainability and efficiency of the Nigerian electricity supply market, the minister noted the alignment of EU programs with the Ministry’s strategic goals for the sector.
