USAID to support Nigeria energy sector with N115bn
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has announced the launch of a N115bn programme that will support Nigeria’s energy reform and clean energy transition.
Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between USAID and the Federal Ministry of Power Wednesday in Abuja, USAID’s Mission Director in Nigeria, Ms Melisa Jones said the MoU would strengthen its partnership with the ministry.
She said: “USAID is very happy to be here today to launch a new milestone in the USAID partnership with the Ministry of Power.
Through this MOU we will sign today, we intend to intensify and accelerate our partnership with the ministry. Nigeria’s lead power sector policymaking institution falls under your watch, Honorable Minister and you have done such an incredible job as well as laying out to all of us your five-point plan.
“Today’s goal is to strengthen collaboration between USAID and the Federal Government of Nigeria and provide a framework for our partnership with other key actors, including the state and we are very excited to sign this MOU and to achieve our shared goals under the MOU, USAID intends to launch Empower Nigeria, a new N115 billion programme to support Nigeria’s energy reform and clean energy transition.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of Power Africa, USAID, Mr. Richard Nelson, emphasized the longstanding commitment of Power Africa to improving electricity access across the continent, adding that nearly 200 million people have gained access to electricity through their initiatives.
Nelson reiterated the importance of Nigeria in Power Africa’s agenda and declared and pledged continued support to Nigeria in its journey toward better electricity access.
In his address, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, noted the crucial role of energy in national development saying the Federal Government is committed to stabilizing the power sector.
The minister, who commended USAID for its support to the country’s power sector, also reiterated the resolve of the FG to ensure transparency, improve market efficiency and accelerate the transition to clean energy solutions.
He said: “We believe that without energy, there is nothing to achieve. It’s quite critical to develop other sectors, which is why the President’s Development Group has prioritized energy as its priority sector to drive the development of other sectors.
“Meaningful economic growth and industrial development are all dependent on the stability of the energy sector. And we have seen wellness performed by a group of nations by developing their local industries into global giants. The first action they took was to have a stabilized electricity sector’’.
