By George George Idowu
The Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu has introduced the World Bank support Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) project which aims to optimize the use of existing water storage for irrigation and hydropower generation.
The minister made the introduction on Wednesday at the World Hydropower Outlook Summit held at the Federal Capitl Territory (FCT), Abuja, while addressing participants at the Summit.
Adelabu explained that the project underscores the current government’s focus on intergrated waterresources management, balancing energy production with environmental stewardship.
He said since President Bola Tinubu signed the Electricity Act in 2023, the ct has empowered the power sector to advance these goals. ”The Act shifts control of power generation, transmission, and distribution from the exclusive to the concurrent list, facilitating greater oversight and integration of environmental considertions in energy project,” the minister noted.
Also speaking at the summit, Minister of State for the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitattion, Muhammed Goronyo, said that Nigeria is pushing forward with her efforts on hydropower initiatives, noting that the federal government places strong emphasis on evaluating the environment an social impacts of these projects.
Goronyo highlighted the necessity of conducting thorough environmental impact assessments and implementing robust mitigation measures to address the potential effects on ecosystems and host communities.
He equally emphasized that careful evaluation is essential to ensure that hydropower projects do not negatively impact the environment or local polulation.
Goronyo detailed Nigeria’s plan to develop hydropower sites capable of generating approximately 14,000 megawatts of electricity saying, ”While these projects promise significant benefits in terms of economic growth and improved electricity access, they must be pursued responsibly.
”These sites encompass both major and micro power installations strategically located nationwide, with the aim of ensuring sustainable power for all by 2030. This involves engaging with stakeholders meaningfully and ensuring that environmental sustainability remains a priority.
”The ministry is committed to enhancing power generations through the concessioning of Gurara, Kashimbilla, and Dadin-Kowa hydropower stations.”