Joseph Bakare
In a sustainable way to support Nigeria accelerate growth in the power sector,
European Union (EU) and Germany have unveiled the 3rd Phase of the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP).
Under the new scheme the EU and Germany committed €17.9 million to drive the initiative.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Mahmuda Mamman, revealed this at the project unveiling in Abuja organised by the Nigerian Government, EU, and Deutsche Gesellschaft fur International Zusammenarbeit, GIZ.
The 3rd Phase of the NESP aims at fostering investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency and rural electrification
The NESP, which was 1 per cent per cent commissioned in 2013, is a technical assistance programme co-funded by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Power (FMP).
Speaking at the launch and Steering Committee meeting of NESP III, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Mahmuda said: “The Ministry continues to appreciate the EU and German Government for their continuous support to Nigeria, especially for ensuring energy security in the most affordable and sustainable manner”.
He stated that the 3rd phase of the programme would build on the achievements of NESP Il by attracting more investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency as well as support towards the objectives of Nigeria’s Electricity Act 2013, aimed at stabilising the electricity market in states.
Also speaking at the launch, Ms. Inga Stefanowicz, Head of Section Green and Digital Economy at the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS commented that: “Achieving a cleaner future is the business of all stakeholders, and the EU has not only continued to support the Nigerian government to achieve its energy security plans but to also achieve a sustainable energy future through the increase of renewables in its electricity mix.
“The EU is pleased to have commissioned an additional funding for the third phase of the programme to continue supporting the development of various frameworks and innovative models, bringing a new landscape to the concept of electricity franchising, attracting renewable energy investments and ensuring reliable power supply to its beneficiaries’’, she said.
Mr. Johannes Lehne, Deputy Ambassador, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, also re-affirmed the commitment of the German government to Nigeria in achieving its Energy Transition targets.
She said: “Technologies and investments for renewable energy and energy efficiency will be key for diversifying Nigeria’s energy mix and decarbonising the five critical sectors identified in the Energy Transition Plan (ETP).
The third phase of NESP was commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) with €8.9 Million in May this year.
The EU has recently commissioned an additional €9 Million, which increases the total budget of the NESP programme to €17.9 Million. This shows Germany’s and its partners continued commitment to support Nigeria’s set targets in the Energy Transition Plan.
The Head of Programme, NESP, Mr. Duke Benjamin emphasised that active participation of and collaboration with the public and private stakeholders is critical to improve availability and reliability of energy in Nigeria.
Hence, the 3 per cent phase of programme, he said, would offer support – ranging from sustainable energy generation for rural communities, healthcare centres and businesses, efficient utilisation of energy.
He said this would help in bridging the energy and electricity data gaps, strengthening private sector investments, and developing the capacities of regulatory agencies and local financial institutions.