ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — The European Union has called for stronger collaboration between Nigeria’s public and private sectors to accelerate the country’s transition to sustainable, renewable energy. EU officials emphasized that innovation and local capacity development are essential to achieving Nigeria’s clean energy goals.
Speaking at the Nigeria Renewable Energy Innovation Forum in Abuja, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS Gautier Mignot, represented by Deputy Ambassador Zissimos Vergos, praised Nigeria’s abundant human talent and natural resources as key assets for building a resilient energy ecosystem.
Mignot highlighted that the EU has provided more than two hundred million Euros in grants to Nigeria’s power sector since the late 2000s. He said the bloc’s latest energy program, launched in the early 2020s with a budget of one hundred million Euros, aims to add four hundred megawatts of renewable capacity by the late 2020s, benefiting more than five million Nigerians.
He described innovation as an intergenerational process that will shape future political legacies, stressing the importance of inclusive energy and digital transformation. “The public sector brings policy frameworks; the private sector brings agility and technical expertise; research institutions bring insight and innovation,” he said.
Mignot noted that off-grid solutions like mini-grids and solar home systems are already transforming rural communities. These systems, powered by public–private partnerships, are lighting homes, energizing small businesses, and expanding economic opportunity.
He urged research institutions to continue providing evidence-based insights into energy demand, consumer behavior, and resilient business models to ensure that innovation serves local communities effectively.
The EU reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s energy security and economic resilience through initiatives that mobilize private investment and support clean industry and inclusive growth.
Mignot emphasized that Nigeria’s success in renewable energy depends on harnessing its industrial potential and entrepreneurial spirit. “Whether for large grid-connected solar farms or small decentralized systems, our shared path depends on Nigerian ingenuity,” he said.
Nigeria is currently pursuing an ambitious energy transition plan, including the development of nearly four gigawatts of local solar manufacturing capacity. The government has signed agreements worth hundreds of millions of dollars for renewable energy infrastructure, including solar panels, smart meters, and battery storage.
Despite challenges such as infrastructure gaps and high costs, Nigeria’s renewable energy sector is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of nearly ten percent over the next decade, positioning the country as a potential leader in Africa’s green energy future.
