The European Union has recently announced two new projects in Nigeria’s energy sector, with a total budget of €9 million. These projects aim to address the country’s poor energy situation and promote sustainability and circular economy practices.
One of the projects, Small Hydro Power Development for Agro-industry Use in Nigeria (SHP-DAIN), focuses on increasing the capacity of small hydropower in Nigeria’s energy mix. This project aims to promote productivity along agricultural value chains, enhance livelihoods, and promote food security and decent work. It will also support the establishment of small hydropower plants for agri-industrial use across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.
The other project, Advancing Nigeria’s Green Transition to Net Zero through Circular Economy Practices, aims to improve the management of used off-grid energy equipment and plastics through circular economy practices. This initiative will support the strengthening of policy and regulatory frameworks, promote circular economy principles and practices, and enhance the management of used energy equipment.
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms Samuela Isopi, highlighted the importance of these projects in pushing Nigeria towards a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future. She emphasized the need for private sector participation in the success of these projects.
The Minister of Power, Adelabu Adebayo, expressed confidence in the projects’ ability to enhance energy management, increase agricultural productivity, and improve livelihoods. He also inaugurated Project Steering Committees to ensure the successful implementation of these projects.
Overall, these projects represent a significant step towards Nigeria’s goal of transitioning to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly economy, ultimately working towards achieving net zero emissions by 2060.
