The Netherlands government has established an advisory board with the aim of advancing Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy, with a specific focus on promoting sustainable solutions within the solar energy sector. The official inauguration of this initiative took place at the Arnergy office in Ilupeju, Lagos on February 7, 2024.
The Solar Marketplace initiative is a crucial aspect of the Dutch government’s dedication to fostering the adoption of renewable energy and promoting sustainable trade and development in Nigeria. The advisory board will play a pivotal role in steering the strategic direction and execution of this initiative. The Marketplace is anticipated to serve as a trusted platform that facilitates business, trade, and investment in Nigeria’s solar sector.
The Consulate of the Netherlands expressed its delight in announcing the inauguration of the Solar Marketplace Advisory Board, emphasizing the significance of this step in promoting sustainable energy solutions in Nigeria. During the inauguration, Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Geoffrey van Leeuwen, highlighted the importance of scaling renewable energy opportunities in Nigeria through the collective efforts of top minds within the renewable energy sector.
Yusuf Umar, Programme Lead of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority renewable energy platform and a member of the advisory board, raised concerns about the current fragmentation in Nigeria’s energy sector. Femi Adeyemo, the founder of Arnergy and a member of the advisory board, underscored the necessity for Nigerian businesses to transition away from diesel and emphasized the urgency of investing in renewable energy for sustainable operations.
Key members of the solar marketplace advisory board include Edwin van Veenhuizeen from Invest International, Farouk Bello from the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, Ayo Ademilua from the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria, Emeka Oragunye from Sustainable Energy for All, Michael Ivenso representing the National Council on Climate Change, and Olabanjo Alimi from Sterling Bank.
