The United States Agency for International Development USAID, has disclosed that it will launch a N115bn program to support Nigeria’s energy reform and clean energy transition.
USAID’s Mission Director in Nigeria, Ms Melisa Jones who made this known during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between USAID and the Federal Ministry of Power in Abuja, the nation’s capital, said the MOU will secure Nigeria’s commitment to electricity Sector reforms, Market transparency, liquidity and expanded access to sustainable, reliable and affordable electricity in the country.
Ms Jones stated that the MoU would also strengthen its partnership with the Ministry.
She further explained that the U.S. government grant-funded Technical Assistance program aims to support the Power Sector Development and reforms in Nigeria.
“USAID is very happy to be here today to launch a new milestone in the USAID partnership with the Ministry of Power.
“Through this MOU we will sign today, we intend to intensify and accelerate our partnership with the ministry.
“Nigeria’s lead power sector policymaking institution falls under your watch, Honorable Minister and you have done such an incredible job as well as laying out to all of us your five-point plan.
“More than 85 million Nigerians have no access to grid power and many have suffered from unreliable power supply. Given these challenges, many Nigerian families and businesses depend on expensive, emission-intensive gasoline and diesel backup generators.
“Today’s goal is to strengthen collaboration between USAID and the Federal Government of Nigeria and provide a framework for our partnership with other key actors, including the state and we are very excited to sign this MOU and to achieve our shared goals under the MOU, USAID intends to launch Empower Nigeria, a new N115 billion programme to support Nigeria’s energy reform and clean energy transition,” she stressed.
Crucial Role
The Coordinator of Power Africa, USAID, Mr. Richard Nelson, also speaking emphasized the longstanding commitment of Power Africa to improving electricity access across the continent, adding that nearly 200 million people have gained access to electricity through this initiative.
Mr. Nelson reiterated the importance of Nigeria in Power Africa’s agenda, pledging continued support to Nigeria in its journey toward better electricity access.
In his remarks, Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, highlighted the crucial role of Energy in National Development, reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to stabilizing the power sector.
The Minister commended USAID for its support to the country’s Power Sector, reaffirming the Federal government’s commitment to ensure transparency, improve market efficiency and accelerates the transition to clean energy solutions.
“We believe that without energy, there is nothing to achieve. It’s quite critical to develop other sectors, which is why the President’s Development Group has prioritized energy as its priority sector to drive the development of other sectors,” he said
