ABUJA: Germany is set to inject $160 million into Nigeria’s power sector, as announced by the German Deputy Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Johannes Lehne, during the unveiling of the third phase of the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP) in Abuja. The initiative, funded by the European Union and the German government, aims to enhance Nigeria’s sustainable energy sector by expanding access to clean, efficient, and reliable energy.
According to Voice of Nigeria, the NESP, which is part of the Siemens power project, is scheduled to commence in 2025. Since its inception in 2013, the programme has benefitted 45,000 people and 105 communities across the country. Mr. Lehne highlighted that the third phase will introduce five significant transformers to stabilize the grid, funded by Germany, and emphasized the imminent signing of a contract with Siemens. Although initially planned for an earlier start, the project is now slated for early 2025. The ambassador also reiterated Germany’s commitment to assisting Nigeria
in achieving its Energy Transition targets.
In his remarks at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Power, Mahmuda Mamman, discussed the significance of attracting more investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency, aligning with Nigeria’s Electricity Act 2013 objectives to stabilize the nation’s electricity market. Mamman expressed gratitude to the EU and Germany for their continued support, emphasizing the importance of energy security in a sustainable and affordable manner.
Ms. Inga Stefanoeicz, Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Green and Digital Economy, affirmed the EU’s ongoing support for Nigeria’s energy security plans. She emphasized the importance of increasing renewable energy in Nigeria’s electricity mix to achieve a sustainable future, and introduced additional funding for the third phase of NESP to support the development of innovative models and frameworks for electricity franchising and reliable power supply.
Mr. Duke Benjamin, Head of Programme at NES
P, underlined the significance of collaboration with public and private stakeholders to enhance energy availability and reliability in Nigeria. He detailed that NESP III will support sustainable energy generation for rural communities, healthcare centers, and businesses, and facilitate energy efficiency and data gap bridging. The programme will also focus on strengthening private sector investments and developing regulatory capacities.
Since its launch in 2013, NESP has been a technical assistance programme co-funded by the EU and the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in collaboration with the Nigerian Ministry of Power.