Nigeria’s hydropower, circular economy get EU-UNIDO’s financial boost
The United Nations Industrial Organisation (UNIDO) will be executing two new projects introduced in Nigeria by the European Union (EU), aimed at promoting small hydropower development and circular economy approaches.
UNIDO will execute the new projects known as the Small Hydro Power Development for Agro-industry Use (SHP-DAIN) and the Advancing Nigeria’s Green Transition to Net Zero through Circular Economy Practices as part of nine million euro contract over three years.
Nigeria’s Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabo officially launched the projects and inaugurated their steering committees at a recent event attended by diverse stakeholders, such as Ministry officials and State representatives.
UNIDO oversees the implementation of this fully funded EU project under the EU’s Multilateral Indicative Programme 2021-2027 and other EU-Nigeria Cooperation initiatives.
Acknowledging the support of UNIDO and the EU, Adelabo noted that “Nigeria’s abundant energy resources will forever remain potential unless properly harnessed.
He, therefore, said: “The Federal Ministry of Power was delighted to continually work with the EU and UNIDO on small hydropower in powering energy through decentralised systems.”
The EU Head Cooperation, Massimo De Luca, acknowledged the longstanding cooperation between the EU and the Federal Government, stressing: “Nigeria’s green transition will remain at the heart of our cooperation with Nigeria.”
According to De Luca, such cooperation is “One of the key areas of the EU Global Gateway Strategy for sustainable and trusted connections that work for people and the planet”.
The projects aim to enhance energy accessibility and promote circular economy practices to address pollution and climate change in Nigeria.
It comprises two sub-projects. First, Small Hydro Power Development for Agro-industry Use in Nigeria (SHP-DAIN), which aims to boost small hydropower capacity in the energy mix, increase agricultural productivity, and improve livelihoods, thereby enhancing food security and job opportunities.
The second sub-project, Advancing Nigeria’s Green Transition to Net Zero through Circular Economy Practices, aims to enhance the management of used off-grid energy equipment and plastics through circular economy practices to mitigate pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Multiple stakeholders involved in the project include the Federal Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development, Environment, Industry, Trade and Investment, Power and Water Resources, as well as federal-level agencies, commissions, and banks. Selected State Governments will also be involved in relevant projects.
Read Also: Manufacturing growth not translating to more jobs, says UNIDO
Nigerian Minister for Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, voiced his appreciation to UNIDO and the EU for their strong collaborative support. In his keynote, he mentioned that “The Ministry of Environment stands ready to support critical initiatives such as electronic wastes, and management of mini-grids systems components which are niche markets requiring regulation.”
The UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, expressed confidence that the projects would not only enhance the management of used off-grid energy equipment and plastics but also increase agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods.
He stated that “It’s been very remarkable supporting the multiple impactful projects of UNIDO. The UN in Nigeria and people of Nigeria have a strong partner in UNIDO. These new initiatives are a definition of exactly that.”
Additionally, a wide range of associations represented will play key roles in the project, including the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN), the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the E-waste Producers Responsibility Organisation of Nigeria (EPRON), and the Alliance for Responsible Battery Recyclers (ARBR).
Others are the Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE), the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA), the Waste Management Association of Nigeria (WAMASON), the Recyclers Association of Nigeria (RAN), and the Association of Waste Recyclers and Collectors of Nigeria (AWARECON).
There are also the Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of Nigeria (REDIN), the Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WPAN), the National Association of Scrap and Waste Workers of Nigeria (NASWON), and the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).