The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have formalised a landmark partnership to accelerate Nigeria’s clean energy transition, boost innovation, and prepare a future-ready workforce.
The partnership which also aims to deliver sustainable and inclusive growth in Nigeria’s energy space, is built on five pillars, including: energising education and innovation, expanding skills development, supporting state-level policy reforms, unlocking innovative financing, and advancing research and communication.
Speaking while signing the partnership in Abuja, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, Managing director of REA, described the partnership as a game-changer for Nigeria’s clean energy future and emphasised that, the initiative will build on ongoing Federal Government renewable energy scale-up efforts, unlock opportunities in local content and manufacturing, and drive sustainable investment.
“Our goal is to position Nigeria as a renewable energy hub, reduce governance costs, and catalyse innovation, research, and development.
“REA-UNDP partnership pillars are specifically targeted at advancing ongoing efforts in the clean energy space in Nigeria, catalysing opportunities across critical ecosystems and unlocking the full potentials in innovation, R&D, local expertise and sustainable investment,” Aliyu stated.
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Abba emphasised the value of turning Nigeria into the renewable energy hub while leveraging the huge energy market in Nigeria and exploring practical strategies on local content, local manufacturing and innovative finance. This, he said, will cut cost of governance and advance sustainability.
Also speaking, Elsie Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria stated that the collaboration is a bold step toward a more sustainable and prosperous Nigeria.
According to Attafuah, innovation, research and development must continue to form a central part of learning institutions to catalyse the creation of green jobs in Nigeria.
“Our partnership will not only provide access to clean energy but also serve as a powerful engine for innovation, youth empowerment, and job creation. We are moving beyond simply powering communities to igniting their full potential.
“This partnership reflects UNDP’s commitment to locally driven, inclusive, and resilient development, and REA’s mandate to bring sustainable energy to Nigeria’s unserved and underserved communities. Together, both organisations aim to accelerate the nation’s journey toward universal clean energy access and a greener, more prosperous future ,” Attafuah said.
