R-L (sitting) Abdulateef Shittu (DG NGF) signing on behalf of NGF Chairman, Mustapha Abdullahi DG CEO, ECN (m), Signing (on behalf of the chairman Song Hai liang) Zhu Honggang, Executive President of China Energy International Group, North West Africa, Regional HQ. (Standing), L-R, Muhammad Magaji, Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development for Gombe State, Uche Nnaji Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology (m) and Song Hai liang – Chairman of China Energy Engineering Corporation Ltd (Energy China for short)
By Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Nigerian governors have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with China’s Energy China to enhance state-level energy planning.
The agreement aims to improve energy security, efficiency, and economic development across states.
Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya, who chairs the Northern Governors’ Forum, linked the partnership to the Electricity Act of 2023. This law promotes decentralised energy solutions and renewable energy integration.
The MOU includes deploying renewable energy infrastructure and establishing a Nigeria-China Renewable Energy Research Centre for innovation and technology transfer.
“It is crucial to acknowledge the transformative journey that Nigeria is embarking upon in the area of access to sustainable electricity, which includes renewable energy, particularly in the wake of the recently passed Electricity Act of 2023,” Yahaya said.
“This groundbreaking legislation marked a pivotal moment for our energy landscape, introducing innovative structures that aim to boost investments and enhance the reliability of power supply across the country.”
He noted that states are adopting tailored policies and regulatory bodies to drive local electricity markets. “The synergy between state and federal initiatives will be key to driving effective change and achieving our collective renewable energy targets,” he added, highlighting challenges like infrastructure, financing, and regulatory hurdles that need collaborative solutions.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, said the collaboration aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “This partnership reflects our shared ambition to expand access to clean energy, strengthen energy planning at the state level, and promote sustainable technologies,” he stated.
The initiative will deploy solar, wind, and hydro infrastructure while fostering job creation and climate commitments.
China Energy Commission Chairman Song Liang pledged full MOU implementation, promising cooperation and intelligence sharing on renewable energy. He aims to enhance energy storage and elevate Nigeria-China ties.
NGF Director General Abdullateef Shittu emphasised the forum’s role since the Electricity Act. “The NGF has established a robust Power Desk which is saddled with the critical role of coordinating the efforts of the states as they strive to implement the Electricity Act,” he said. A Forum of Commissioners of Power and Energy also supports best practices for universal energy access.