Six months ago, I began my tenure as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. During this period, I’ve had the privilege of visiting numerous states, engaging with federal and state leaders, and interacting with a broad spectrum of stakeholders. The hospitality of the Nigerian people has been overwhelming, and the country’s scenic beauty has been truly captivating, reinforcing the symbolism of natural wealth, peace, and unity represented by the green and white in Nigeria’s flag.
Reflecting on UNDP’s mandate in Nigeria, one critical factor stands out as key to unlocking the country’s sustainable development aspirations: energy. Nigeria is richly endowed with diverse energy resources, including abundant sunlight, strong winds in certain regions, vast oil and gas reserves, and untapped hydroelectric potential. However, despite these resources, millions of Nigerians still lack access to reliable electricity.
Through my interactions with various industrious Nigerians, it is clear that resolving the energy challenges holds immense potential to drive the country’s progress. Securing sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy will not only elevate Nigeria to a leadership position on the African continent but also stimulate regional growth within West Africa, catalyzing socio-economic development across the continent. This aligns with UNDP’s Energy Moonshot, which aims to provide sustainable energy access to over 500 million people by 2025.
Four Key Areas for Accelerating Nigeria’s Energy Access
- Enhanced Energy Regulation for Rapid Electrification: The recent efforts by the Nigerian Federal Government, culminating in the new Electricity Act 2023, are transformative. This legislation allows state governments to play a significant role in the electricity value chain, enabling all 36 states to establish electricity markets at their levels. This progressive step, coupled with the unbundling of the transmission utility to form an independent system operator, will stabilize the grid over time. UNDP views these reforms as critical to advancing energy access, especially for underserved sectors. We are supporting the government in finalizing the National Integrated Electricity Policy, which will guide energy access across all states, ultimately helping to electrify Nigeria.
- Harnessing Data for Accelerated Energy Access: The importance of data in the energy sector cannot be overstated. By leveraging data-driven insights, Nigeria can accelerate its energy transition through targeted policies and interventions. Digital solutions and AI can optimize energy resource allocation, identify underserved areas, and measure the impact of interventions, leading to more sustainable and equitable energy solutions for all Nigerians.
- Clean and Affordable Energy as a Pathway to Success: Nigeria’s abundant natural resources, including solar and hydropower, have the potential to not only power the nation but also export surplus energy. The country’s commitments under the Paris Agreement’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Implementation Framework aim to harness over 13 GW from renewable resources. Scaling up solar, wind, and hydro power, along with strategic investments in green hydrogen solutions, will strengthen regional collaboration and position Nigeria as a leader in the West African Power Pool.
- Investment in Renewable Energy Solutions: To fully integrate renewable energy into Nigeria’s grid, significant investment in human capital and financial resources is required. The private sector is already poised for action, and the market is ripe for global partners and investors. Investing in renewable energy will expand access, create green jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve public health. Deploying mini-grids and off-grid solutions will bridge the gap in rural electrification, empowering communities and fostering economic growth.
As I continue my role in Nigeria, I am optimistic about the country’s potential to transform its energy landscape. The recent passage of the Electricity Act 2023 signals a promising future, and with sustained investments and policy reforms at the state level, Nigeria can harness its renewable resources to power its economy, improve living standards, and contribute to global climate action. Expanding access to clean and affordable energy will enhance the lives of millions, stimulate economic growth, and create job opportunities for Nigeria’s youthful population.
At UNDP, we are committed to supporting Nigeria in achieving this vision through partnerships, capacity building, and innovative solutions.
By Elsie Attafuah
UNDP Resident Representative
The author is the new Resident Representative for UNDP in Nigeria.