By Abdullahi Lukman
The European Union has reiterated its strong support for Nigeria’s renewable energy ambitions, emphasizing the importance of innovative partnerships between government, private sector, and research institutions to drive sustainable energy growth.
Speaking at the Nigeria Renewable Energy Innovation Forum in Abuja, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, represented by Deputy Ambassador, Zissimos Vergos, highlighted that EU grants to Nigeria’s power sector have exceeded €200 million since 2008.
The latest €100 million energy programme, launched in 2021, aims to add 400 megawatts of renewable capacity by 2027, benefiting over five million Nigerians.
Mignot stressed that effective collaboration is crucial: “The public sector provides policy frameworks; the private sector brings agility and expertise; research institutions contribute innovation.”
He noted that off-grid renewable solutions, such as mini-grids and solar home systems, are already improving energy access in rural areas through public–private partnerships.
The EU’s support continues through initiatives like GET.invest Nigeria and the Global Gateway programme, focusing on funding, capacity building, and private investment to enhance Nigeria’s energy security and economic resilience.
Nigeria aims to become Africa’s renewable energy hub, targeting over $410 billion in investments by 2060 under its Energy Transition Plan.
The government has also secured more than $400 million in deals to boost local solar manufacturing capacity to nearly 4 gigawatts, creating thousands of jobs in the process.
