ABUJA: The Federal Government of Nigeria is collaborating with the Republic of Germany to enhance the country’s electricity supply, as announced by Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Nigeria’s Minister of Power. The collaboration was discussed during a bilateral meeting between President Bola Tinubu and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adelabu highlighted the Presidential Power Initiative, a key component of the collaboration that involves Siemens in implementing both Brownfield and Greenfield transmission substations. Since the agreement was signed at COP 28 in Dubai in December 2023, significant progress has been made, with the pilot phase being 80% complete. This phase includes the importation, installation, and commissioning of 10 power transformers and 10 power mobile substations, which have added 750 megawatts to Nigeria’s transmission grid capacity. An additional 150 megawatts is expected to be added by the end of the year upon the completion of the pilot pha
se.
The first phase of the project aims to rehabilitate 14 existing substations and establish 23 new substations across Nigeria. Adelabu also emphasized the focus on renewable energy to achieve the country’s energy transition plan for net-zero emissions by 2060. He stressed the importance of collaborating with technologically advanced countries like Germany, noting Nigeria’s abundant sunshine and wind energy potential.
Adelabu mentioned that new infrastructure developments, such as the highway from Lagos to Calabar and the road from Badagry to Sokoto, are opening up opportunities for offshore wind energy and better access to hydroelectric power plants. He also highlighted the support from the German International Agency for Development in Nigeria’s grid extension and renewable energy initiatives, and noted the interest from German companies and investors in Nigeria’s solar, wind, and hydro power sectors.