* 154,000 Nigerians to have access to power
The European Union (EU) and the German Government, have announced a €17.9milion investment on renewable energy, energy efficiency and rural electrification in Nigeria,
The funding cane on Thursday at the official launching of the the third phase of the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), geared towards
boosting private sector investments in clean, efficient, and reliable energy solutions across the country.
Naijablitznews recalls that the NESP was first launched in 2013, as a technical support programme co-funded by the EU and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
The programme is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in collaboration with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Power (FMP) to build an accessible and sustainable energy landscape in Nigeria.
Under the third phase ( NESP3), 154,000 people are expected to have new or improved access to electricity while 30,000 people will have access to Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) for clean cooking, among others.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Mahmuda Mamman, who flagged off the activities marking the commencement of NESP3 in Abuja, said that the programme would build on the achievements of NESP II by attracting more investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency as well as support towards the objectives of Nigeria’s Electricity Act 2013.
Mamman lauded the EU and German government for their support to Nigeria especially for ensuring energy security in the most affordable and sustainable manner.
Head of Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation to Nigeria, Inga Stefanowicz, stressed the EU’s dedication to Nigeria’s energy security. “A cleaner energy future requires commitment from all stakeholders, this new phase continues to support renewable growth and the development of innovative models, like electricity franchising, that will bolster reliable power for beneficiaries,” she said.
German Deputy Ambassador, Johannes Lehne, reaffirmed Germany’s support, and outlined the essential role of renewable technologies in Nigeria’s energy transition.
He noted that investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency are key to diversifying Nigeria’s energy mix and advancing decarbonisation goals outlined in the Energy Transition Plan (ETP).
Head of NESP, Duke Benjamin, also stressed that collaboration with public and private stakeholders will be critical in achieving the programme goals.
“The 3rd phase aims to bring sustainable energy solutions to rural communities, healthcare facilities, and businesses, ensuring energy access that drives growth and improves quality of life in Nigeria,” he stated.