UNIDO and China back new hydropower centre to boost Nigeria’s energy
In a move to address Nigeria’s electricity challenges, the Federal Government has joined forces with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the Chinese government to launch a Small Hydropower Centre of Excellence in Abuja. The project, funded by the China International Development Cooperation Agency, aims to expand renewable energy, promote rural electrification, and support agro-industrial growth in underserved areas. The centre will be based at the University of Abuja and is set to become a regional hub for technical training and policy development in small hydropower. Key stakeholders, including Philbert Johnson, Joseph Utsev, Hakeem Fawehinmi, and Yu Dunhai, highlighted the initiative’s potential to transform Nigeria’s energy landscape and drive socio-economic development.
TLDR
- The Federal Government, UNIDO, and China have launched a Small Hydropower Centre of Excellence in Abuja to boost renewable energy and rural electrification.
- The centre, located at the University of Abuja, will focus on technical training, policy guidance, and knowledge transfer for small hydropower deployment.
- Philbert Johnson of UNIDO and Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, emphasized the importance of small hydropower for economic growth and agricultural productivity.
- Yu Dunhai, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, noted that the project is part of a broader China-Africa-UN cooperation and highlighted China’s success with small hydropower.
- The initiative aims to address Nigeria’s energy supply gaps, promote hybrid energy solutions, and support the country’s energy transition agenda.
