In a bid to accelerate Nigeria’s renewable energy expansion and improve electricity access for millions of citizens, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has sought the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)’s assistance in co-financing the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up Project (DARES).

This initiative, a $750 million World Bank-backed program, is being implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to provide electricity to 17.5 million Nigerians, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The project is expected to stimulate economic growth and promote sustainable development.

Strengthening Bilateral Energy Partnerships

Adelabu made this request during a high-level Nigerian delegation’s visit to Japan, aimed at strengthening bilateral energy ties between the two nations. The three-day strategic visit provided a platform for engagement with Japanese energy leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to explore innovative energy solutions, improve grid reliability, and attract foreign investments into Nigeria’s power sector.

According to a statement released by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) on Saturday, the Nigerian delegation held high-level discussions and technical sessions with Japanese energy experts to gain insights into Japan’s energy market structure, policy frameworks, and operational models.

Securing Funding and Investment for Nigeria’s Power Sector

The Nigerian government aims to secure $200 million from JICA, as part of an ambitious plan to attract over $1 billion in private capital and additional financing from development partners.

The visit focused on several key areas, including:

1. Short-Term Grid Reliability Measures

   • Discussions centered on immediate steps to enhance Nigeria’s grid stability and resilience.
   • Japan’s expertise in grid operations and maintenance was explored to improve Nigeria’s national grid performance.

2. Co-Financing of the DARES Project

   • The visit advanced discussions on JICA’s potential involvement in co-financing the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up Project.
   • The initiative aims to expand energy access to rural and underserved communities, stimulating economic growth and sustainable development.

3. Long-Term Collaboration and Investment Opportunities

   • Talks laid the foundation for future cooperation between Nigeria and Japan in areas such as:
     • Technology transfer
     • Capacity building
     • Strategic investments in Nigeria’s energy infrastructure

Learning from Japan’s Advanced Energy Systems

The Nigerian delegation explored Japan’s cutting-edge electricity dispatching mechanisms, power generation and distribution coordination, and grid optimization strategies that could be adapted to strengthen Nigeria’s energy reforms.

The discussions also covered:

• Energy Trading and Market Operations:

  • Nigeria’s energy stakeholders examined Japan’s power exchange market, identifying models that could improve electricity pricing mechanisms, market efficiency, and competitiveness in Nigeria.

• Technical Visits to Japanese Energy Facilities:

  • DAIKIN Solution Plaza:
    • Provided insights into energy-efficient cooling solutions, with an emphasis on integrating energy-saving technologies into Nigeria’s power development plan.
  • Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO):
    • The team explored Japan’s grid management strategies, resilience planning, and sustainable power solutions, with a focus on adapting best practices to strengthen Nigeria’s electricity grid.

High-Level Meetings and Government Delegation

The delegation, led by Minister Adelabu, held a bilateral meeting with Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry to discuss ways to strengthen economic and energy cooperation between the two countries.

Accompanying the Minister were:

• Mahmuda Mamman – Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power
• Engr Sanusi Garba – Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC)
• Sule Abdulazeez – Managing Director, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN)
• Abba Aliyu – Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency (REA)

Commitment to Transforming Nigeria’s Power Sector

The visit represents Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging international partnerships to address its power sector challenges. Minister Adelabu expressed gratitude to JICA for facilitating the visit and reiterated Nigeria’s determination to implement energy policies that will drive transformation.

He emphasized that Nigeria’s journey towards a resilient, efficient, and sustainable power sector will continue, leveraging global expertise and investments to unlock the country’s energy potential.

With efforts to secure international funding, adopt best global practices, and develop renewable energy solutions, Nigeria is moving towards a more stable and sustainable electricity system that can support its growing population and economic ambitions.