The 36 state governors of the federation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chinese government to promote renewable energy and address Nigeria’s persistent energy crisis.
The agreement was signed at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Secretariat in Abuja on Thursday, as part of a coordinated effort to enhance power generation and access across the country.
Speaking on behalf of the NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya, described the MoU as a crucial step toward energy security and economic development at the sub-national level.
“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 stated.
He said the legislation marked a turning point in Nigeria’s power sector, laying the groundwork for investments and improved electricity reliability.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, outlined the scope of the MoU. It includes the deployment of renewable energy infrastructure such as solar, wind, and hydro power, and the establishment of a Nigeria-China Renewable Energy Research Centre for innovation, technology transfer, and capacity-building.
“This initiative will not only improve energy access, especially in off-grid communities, but also support job creation, investment, and our climate goals,” he said.
Director General of the NGF, Dr. Abdullateef Shittu, noted that since the passage of the Electricity Act, the Forum has taken the lead in supporting states to implement its provisions, including the establishment of a Power Desk to coordinate activities.
Chairman of the China Energy Commission, Dr. Song Liang, assured of full cooperation from the Chinese side, pledging to implement the terms of the MoU effectively.
