The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched a ₦115 billion programme to support Nigeria’s energy reform and clean energy transition.
This announcement was made on Wednesday during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between USAID and the Federal Ministry of Power in Abuja.
Melisa Jones, USAID’s Mission Director in Nigeria, expressed her enthusiasm about the strengthened partnership.
“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 intensify and accelerate our collaboration with the ministry. Nigeria’s lead power sector policymaking institution falls under your watch, Honourable Minister, and you have done an incredible job with your five-point plan.”
Jones said that the MoU aims to enhance cooperation between USAID and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“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. We are excited to sign this MoU and achieve our shared goals through Empower Nigeria, a new ₦115 billion programme to support Nigeria’s energy reform and clean energy transition.”
Richard Nelson, the Coordinator of Power Africa, USAID, stressed the long-standing commitment of Power Africa to improving electricity access across the continent.
He noted that nearly 200 million people have gained access to electricity through their initiatives and reiterated the importance of Nigeria in Power Africa’s agenda, pledging continued support for the country’s journey towards better electricity access.
In his address, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, said energy plays a critical role in national development.
He expressed Nigeria’s commitment to stabilising the power sector and commended USAID for its support.
“Without energy, there is nothing to achieve. It’s quite critical to develop other sectors, which is why the President’s Development Group has prioritised energy as a key sector to drive the development of other areas. Meaningful economic growth and industrial development depend on the stability of the energy sector. We have seen the success of nations that have developed their local industries into global giants by first stabilising their electricity sector.”
