To secure possible co-financing help for the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up Project, an initiative that aims to increase the use of renewable energy across the country, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has turned to the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
17.5 million Nigerians would receive electricity under the Rural Electrification Agency’s $750 million World Bank-assisted project. According to a statement released to BrandSpur Nigeria news desk by the electrification agency on Saturday, Adelabu made the plea to fortify bilateral energy cooperation during a high-level delegation of important players in Nigeria’s power sector visiting Japan.
With an emphasis on strengthening Nigeria’s power infrastructure, increasing grid stability, and investigating cutting-edge energy solutions, the three-day strategic visit provided an invaluable opportunity to interact with Japanese energy leaders, policymakers, and industry experts. As part of its strategy to draw in more than $1 billion in private funding and more funding from development partners, the government hopes to obtain $200 million from the cooperation agency.
According to the statement: “The visit resulted in the identification and advancement of key initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s power sector.
“Short-Term Grid Reliability Measures – Discussions focused on immediate steps that Nigeria can implement to enhance national grid stability and resilience, leveraging Japan’s expertise in grid operations and maintenance.
“Co-Financing of the DARES Project – The visit advanced JICA’s potential co-financing support for the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up Project, implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency.
“This initiative is set to expand energy access in rural and underserved communities, stimulating economic growth and sustainable development.
“Long-Term Collaboration and Investment Opportunities – The engagements laid a strong foundation for future collaboration between Nigeria and Japan, unlocking opportunities for technology transfer, capacity building, and investments in Nigeria’s energy infrastructure,” it added.
However, to strengthen Nigeria-Japan energy sector cooperation, Adelabu and his team also held high-level technical discussions, according to the statement. One such meeting was a bilateral one with the Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, during which the two sides discussed ways to improve their cooperation in the energy and economic sectors.
