The European Union (EU) plans to allocate €37 million towards bolstering healthcare centres and rural areas across the nation by investing in solar and hydropower systems.
The EU Head of Mission to Nigeria, Ambassador Samuela Isopi, made this declaration during her visit to the Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, on Friday in Abuja. She was accompanied by Mr. Luca Massimo, the new Head of Cooperation of the EU, and Mr. Godfrey Ogbemudia, Programme Manager on Energy.
Isopi highlighted that this financial injection is separate from the approximately €200 million in grants previously allocated to the sector since 2008.
She explained that the EU’s various intervention programmes in the power sector would focus on small hydropower and solar energy for healthcare facilities.
The ongoing intervention will also encompass rural electrification through isolated and interconnected mini-grid projects, as well as initiatives promoting circular economy principles.
Isopi emphasised that these projects are slated to commence imminently.
Additionally, she extended an invitation to the minister for the upcoming inauguration of two projects financed by the EU and executed by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).
In response, the minister, accompanied by his Chief Technical Advisor, Mr. Adedayo Olowoniyi, expressed gratitude to the EU for its ongoing support of the sector.
Adelabu emphasised the necessity for further assistance to tackle the significant challenges within the sector. He noted that addressing liquidity issues remains a top priority for the government, and efforts are underway to resolve this challenge.
The minister stressed that implementing a tariff structure reflecting the true cost of services is crucial for achieving a sustainable and efficiently operated market.
