Uche Cecil Izuora
Denmark has signalled interest in partnering with Nigeria to help the country tackle its energy deficit through renewable energy development and sustainable maritime solutions.
The pledge came during a meeting in Abuja between the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and Denmark’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens Ole Bach Hansen.
Oyetola welcomed the Ambassador and described Denmark as a valued maritime partner. He said Nigeria is ready to deepen bilateral cooperation and unlock opportunities in its marine and blue economy sector. He also assured Danish investors of a favourable investment climate and strong institutional support.
The Minister applauded Denmark for supporting Nigeria’s election into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation Council in November 2025. He said the achievement boosts Nigeria’s standing in global maritime affairs. He also highlighted Danish investment in Nigeria’s port sector through APM Terminals, calling it a strategic contribution to port modernisation and operational efficiency.
Oyetola, also briefed the Ambassador on the reforms underway at the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
These reforms include developing a national policy on the blue economy, strengthening maritime security, port modernisation, revitalising inland waterways, expanding fisheries and aquaculture, and conserving marine biodiversity. He said these efforts aim to drive economic growth, create jobs and position Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in Africa.
Ambassador Hansen congratulated Nigeria on its election into the IMO Council. He described the election as recognition of Nigeria’s growing leadership in maritime affairs.
He said council membership gives Nigeria influence in shaping global maritime policy and ocean governance.
Furthermore, Denmark expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to advance regional and international maritime cooperation.
Ambassador Hansen noted that Denmark and Nigeria share interests in maritime trade, renewable energy and green shipping technologies.
He also stated that APM Terminals has invested about USD 1.2 billion in Nigerian ports and plans to expand its operations further.
Denmark shared its expertise in offshore wind and green maritime technologies and expressed readiness to share knowledge with Nigeria. The Ambassador said Denmark is open to broader cooperation with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Both sides agreed to sustain engagement and explore further opportunities for partnership, investment and technical cooperation.
China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), will establish a 7-megawatt floating solar power station to serve the energy need of the University of Lagos.
The engineering firm confirmed this on its X post on Monday.
The facility, to be installed on the lagoon waters surrounding the university campus, will be Nigeria’s first floating solar power project.
Upon completion, it is expected to provide the institution with a reliable supply of safe, stable and clean energy, reducing its reliance on fossil-fuel generators, the post added.
CCECC said the project would be the first floating solar panel in any tertiary institution in the country.
“The project is located in the lagoon waters surrounding the university campus. Upon completion, it is expected to become Nigeria’s first floating solar power station, providing the Federal University of Lagos with a reliable supply of safe, stable, and clean energy” CCECC said.
Floating solar technology, which places photovoltaic panels on bodies of water, reduces land use and can improve energy efficiency by cooling the panels naturally.
Such systems are increasingly seen as an innovative solution to Nigeria’s chronic power shortages, where only about half of the population has access to grid electricity and many businesses still rely on costly back-up generators.
The UNILAG project falls within broader national efforts to expand renewable energy infrastructure in Nigerian universities and public institutions.
In 2025, the Federal Executive Council approved large electrification projects under the Energizing Education Programme, including solar hybrid power systems for eight federal universities, part of a shift towards sustainable energy delivery in the education sector.
Earlier phases of the programme delivered mini-grid solar systems to campuses such as the University of Abuja and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Floating solar projects in Nigeria could offer a scalable model for expanding clean power generation across the country, especially in regions with limited land availability and abundant water bodies.
They also highlight that such initiatives align with global trends towards renewable energy adoption, as nations strive to cut carbon emissions and improve energy security.
Officials from CCECC and UNILAG have yet to announce a timeline for the project’s completion, but industry watchers say construction of similar solar plants typically takes several months once financing and permitting are finalised.