- Former Power Minister Prof. Barth Nnaji calls for increased investments in solar and hydropower to meet Nigeria’s 2060 clean energy goals.
- The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, outlines plans to increase centralised power to 200GW, with 90% coming from renewables.
- Experts highlight Nigeria’s massive solar potential, with the current electricity supply far below population needs.
Former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, urged Nigeria to accelerate the development of solar and hydropower plants to meet its 2060 clean energy targets. Nnaji, now CEO of Geometric Power Ltd., spoke at the 2024 International Conference of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Associations-Alliance (REEEA-A) in Abuja.
The “Road to Net Zero: Actionable Initiatives for Success” conference focused on Nigeria’s energy transition progress. Nnaji stressed the need for renewable energy, though he acknowledged natural gas as a critical player in energy sufficiency. “Gas remains viable for now, but we must focus on hydro and solar energy for the future,” he said.
Nnaji emphasised the importance of expanding Nigeria’s renewable infrastructure. He argued that solar and hydropower plants are essential if Nigeria wants to capitalise on the global shift to electric vehicles. “We need to build recharging stations alongside renewable energy plants,” Nnaji added.
Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, represented by Sunday Owolabi, Director of Renewable and Rural Power, outlined Nigeria’s commitments to the Paris Agreement. The country aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20% unconditionally and 47% conditionally by 2060. Adelabu detailed Nigeria’s plans to increase centralised power to 200GW, with 90% coming from renewable sources by that year.
Adelabu highlighted major hydropower projects forming part of the government’s clean energy strategy, including the 700MW Zungeru and 3,050MW Mambilla projects. These projects have faced long delays but remain crucial to Nigeria’s energy transition goals.
Prof. Abubakar Sambo, Chairman of the REEEA-A board, underscored Nigeria’s significant renewable potential, especially in solar. He noted that using just 1% of Nigeria’s land for solar panels could generate up to 551,000 MW. Despite this potential, he pointed out that Nigeria’s electricity supply of 5,000 MW falls far short of the needs of its 230 million people.
“To match sub-Saharan Africa’s average electricity consumption, we need 12,000 MW. To reach the global average, we need 73,000 MW,” Sambo said.
Hon. Afam Ogene, Chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy, praised the Electricity Act 2023, which integrates all energy sources, including renewables, into Nigeria’s energy mix. He emphasised the global push for sustainable energy to combat climate change.
Dr Joy Ogaji, Chief Executive of the Association of Power Generation Companies of Nigeria (APGC), warned that the Electricity Act’s success depends on practical implementation. “We must move beyond promises to actual results,” she urged.
Prof. Magnus Onuoha, President of REEEA-A, reiterated the alliance’s commitment to clean energy. He emphasised the group’s role in providing regulatory support to public and private sectors, driving energy access and sustainability.
The speakers stressed that while progress exists, Nigeria must intensify efforts to meet its clean energy goals by 2060.