The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have signed a partnership deal to accelerate Nigeria’s clean energy transition, boost innovation, and prepare a future-ready workforce.
The partnership will focus on five core pillars — energizing education and innovation, expanding skills development, supporting state-level policy reforms, unlocking innovative financing, and advancing research and communication — to deliver sustainable and inclusive growth, a statement said.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, MD/CEO of REA, described the partnership as a game-changer for Nigeria’s clean energy future .
He emphasized that, the initiative will build on ongoing Federal Government renewable energy scale-up efforts, unlock opportunities in local content and manufacturing, and drive sustainable investment.
“Our goal is to position Nigeria as a renewable energy hub, reduce governance costs, and catalyze innovation, research, and development,” Dr. Aliyu stated.
The REA-UNDP partnership pillars,he said, are specifically targeted at advancing ongoing efforts in the clean energy space in Nigeria, catalyzing opportunities across critical ecosystems and unlocking the full potentials in innovation, R&D, local expertise and sustainable investment”.
He emphasized the value of turning Nigeria into the renewable energy hub of Nigeria, leveraging the huge energy market in Nigeria and exploring practical strategies on local content, local manufacturing and innovative finance.
This will cut cost of governance and advance sustainability.
Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria stated that the collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency is a bold step toward a more sustainable and prosperous Nigeria.
“Our partnership will not only provide access to clean energy but also serve as a powerful engine for innovation, youth empowerment, and job creation. We are moving beyond simply powering communities to igniting their full potential,” Elsie added.
Ms. Elsie emphasized how important it is for the nation to transform its natural resources, such lithium, into impactful renewable products like the lithium battery systems. She explained that innovation, research and development must continue to form a central part of learning institutions to catalyze the creation of green jobs in Nigeria.