The Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has called for strengthened public-private partnerships to address Nigeria’s energy challenges and accelerate sustainable energy access across the country. He made the appeal during his address at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Workshop on “Energizing Partnerships for Sustainable Energy Access and Innovation” held in Abuja.
Chief Adelabu emphasized the critical role of collaboration between government agencies, private sector players, innovators, and development finance institutions in advancing Nigeria’s energy sector. “The days of glossing over ideas and strategies are long gone. Now is the time for action,” he stated.
He commended the partnership between the REA and ASolar, highlighting the synergy between on-grid and off-grid energy solutions. “The dichotomy between on-grid and off-grid solutions should no longer be seen as a division but as complementary components of a holistic energy strategy,” he noted.
The Minister highlighted recent milestones, including the approval of €161 million worth of contracts for power substation upgrades under the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI). The initiative is expected to add 150 megawatts to the national grid, impacting 14 existing substations and establishing 21 new ones.
Additionally, Chief Adelabu announced progress on the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) programme, backed by a $750 million commitment from the World Bank. The project aims to impact over 13 million Nigerians through renewable energy solutions.
He also unveiled the REA’s e-H.E.A.R.T initiative, designed to provide sustainable energy for healthcare institutions, educational facilities, agricultural ventures, rural communities, and transportation networks.
Chief Adelabu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving universal energy access by 2030, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7). He urged young professionals to channel their skills toward local innovation and renewable energy projects.
“The market is ripe, the time is right, and the time is now,” he concluded, urging stakeholders to translate discussions into practical solutions and productive partnerships for Nigeria’s energy future.
The two-day workshop brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders committed to transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape.
