As part of the mission committed to accelerating Nigeria’s clean energy transition, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have signed a memorandum of understanding to deliver sustainable inclusive growth.
A statement from REA, disclosed that the partnership will focus on exploring five concrete opportunities — energizing education and innovation; expanding skills development; supporting state-level policy reforms; unlocking innovative financing; and advancing research and communication.
At the signing ceremony in Abuja, Managing Director/CEO of REA Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, described the partnership as a game-changer for Nigeria’s clean energy future. He emphasized that the initiative will build on ongoing Federal Government renewable energy scale-up efforts, unlock opportunities in local content and manufacturing, and drive sustainable investment.
“Our goal is to position Nigeria as a renewable energy hub, reduce governance costs, and catalyze innovation, research, development.”
REA boss added that the REA-UNDP partnership pillars are specifically targeted at advancing ongoing efforts in the clean energy space in Nigeria, catalyzing opportunities across critical ecosystems and unlocking the full potentials in innovation, research and development, local expertise and sustainable investment.
Aliyu said the value of turning Nigeria into the renewable energy hub, leveraging the huge energy market in the country and exploring practical strategies on local content, local manufacturing and innovative finance will cut the cost of governance and advance sustainability.
In her remarks, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, stated that the collaboration with the REA is a bold step toward a more sustainable and prosperous Nigeria.
She said, “Our partnership will not only provide access to clean energy but also serve as a powerful engine for innovation, youth empowerment, and job creation. We are moving beyond simply powering communities to igniting their full potential.”
Ms. Elsie emphasized how important it is for the nation to transform its natural resources, such as lithium, into impactful renewable products like the lithium battery systems. She explained that innovation, research and development must continue to form a central part of learning institutions to catalyze the creation of green jobs in Nigeria.
According to the statement, the partnership reflects UNDP’s commitment to locally driven, inclusive, and resilient development, and REA’s mandate to bring sustainable energy to Nigeria’s unserved and underserved communities. Together, both organizations aim to accelerate the nation’s journey toward universal clean energy access and a greener, more prosperous future.