A major leap towards a sustainable energy future has been set in motion as the European Union (EU) and Germany announce a strategic initiative to boost renewable energy development in Nigeria.
This groundbreaking move, unveiled in Lagos, is part of a broader effort to tackle the country’s electricity challenges, particularly in rural communities where access to power remains a luxury.
Under the Nigeria Country Window initiative, funding will be directed toward innovative clean energy solutions that align with Nigeria’s unique economic and infrastructural landscape. The initiative is spearheaded by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and will work in synergy with other donor-supported programs, such as the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), which has been co-funded by the EU and Germany since 2013.
Speaking at the launch, Inga Stefanowicz, Team Leader for Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasized the significance of this investment. She underscored that the EU is deeply committed to accelerating Nigeria’s transition to sustainable energy, highlighting that stable electricity is not just a necessity but a catalyst for economic growth. Through GET.invest Nigeria, the goal is to break financing barriers and make clean energy accessible to businesses and households across the country.
Representing Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Power, Permanent Secretary Temitope Dina echoed this sentiment, stressing that a greener energy landscape is no longer a choice but a necessity. She stated that with the right investments, policies, and technologies, Nigeria can build an energy system that is not only cleaner but also more resilient and inclusive. She highlighted that reducing reliance on fossil fuels and embracing renewables would not only improve energy access but also position Nigeria as a responsible player in global environmental conservation efforts.
Adding weight to the call for investments, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, urged investors to seize this golden opportunity. He expressed confidence in GET.invest Nigeria, calling it a vital tool for tackling the nation’s electricity crisis while also ensuring a high return on investment. According to him, the initiative is a testament to Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and resilience.
Germany, a long-standing partner in Nigeria’s energy transition, reinforced its dedication through the words of Weert Börner, Consul General at the German Consulate General in Lagos. He noted that Germany’s involvement in GET.invest Nigeria is part of a larger effort to foster sustainable economic development and strengthen Nigeria’s clean energy sector. By incentivizing private sector investments in renewable energy, the initiative is expected to unlock new opportunities, create jobs, and fuel economic prosperity.
Lawrence Efanga Edeke, the Coordinator of GET.invest Nigeria, provided deeper insight into the initiative’s objectives. He clarified that while GET.invest Nigeria is not a single solution to the country’s energy woes, it is a crucial stepping stone toward mobilizing the large-scale investments needed to meet Nigeria’s climate and energy targets. By engaging project developers, financial institutions, and policymakers, the initiative will drive meaningful progress in renewable energy expansion.
In addition to financial support, GET.invest Nigeria will offer market intelligence, capacity-building programs, and industry mobilization efforts to strengthen local stakeholders. This comprehensive approach is designed to not only increase energy access but also promote security, economic growth, and an improved quality of life for millions of Nigerians.
With backing from key international partners—including the EU, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Austria—the initiative is set to transform Nigeria’s energy landscape. As funding flows in and projects take shape, the hope is that this collaborative effort will mark the beginning of a cleaner, more efficient, and more prosperous energy future for Nigeria.
