The European Union (EU) has said that Nigeria can achieve its renewable energy goals through stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as the research and innovation ecosystem.
Speaking during the Nigeria Renewable Energy Innovation Forum held in Abuja on Thursday, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Gautier Mignot, represented by the Deputy Ambassador, Mr Zissimos Vergos, said that creative partnerships are key to building a sustainable clean energy future for the country.
He noted that innovative breakthroughs are reshaping the global energy landscape and that Nigeria’s abundant human talent and natural resources provide a strong foundation for renewable energy growth.
According to a statement by the EU, over €200 million in grants have been invested in Nigeria’s power sector since 2008. Mignot said the EU’s most recent energy sector programme, launched in 2021 with a €100 million (₦175 billion) budget, aims to add 400 megawatts of new renewable capacity by 2027, directly benefiting more than five million Nigerians.
He emphasised that innovation driving inclusive energy and digital transformation has become a key intergenerational process that will form part of Nigeria’s enduring development legacy.
Explaining how synergy among the public sector, private investors, and research institutions can foster results, Mignot stated: “The public sector brings the policy frameworks; the private sector brings agility and technical expertise; and research institutions bring insight and innovation.”
He also stressed that effective policies and regulations, combined with strong capacity building, are essential for scaling energy solutions sustainably across the country.
“Across rural Nigeria, off-grid renewable solutions are transforming lives. Mini-grids and solar home systems, powered by creative public–private partnerships, are lighting homes, energising small businesses, and expanding opportunity,” he added.
The ambassador further urged research institutions to continue providing evidence-based insights on energy demand, consumer behaviour, and sustainable business models that will ensure innovation serves local communities effectively.
Reaffirming the EU’s commitment to Nigeria’s energy security and economic resilience, Mignot cited initiatives such as GET.invest Nigeria and the EU’s Global Gateway, through which the Union supports direct research grants, local capacity development, and private investment mobilisation.
He noted that Nigeria’s progress towards a green and circular economy will depend largely on how well its public and private sectors work with innovation-driven institutions.
It was gathered that Nigeria is targeting over $410 billion in renewable energy investments by 2060 as part of its long-term transition plan. The plan includes building nearly 4 GW of local solar manufacturing capacity, creating jobs, and reducing reliance on imports.
The government has already signed more than $400 million worth of renewable energy manufacturing and infrastructure deals covering solar panels, smart meters, and battery storage.
Nigeria is also promoting distributed renewable projects, such as mini-grids expected to serve up to two million rural customers. Notable ongoing projects include the 140 MW Qua Iboe Power Plant and the 10 MW Katsina Wind Farm, with renewable capacity projected to grow at an annual rate of 9.88% between 2024 and 2034.
