The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China Energy Engineering Corporation Ltd (CEEC) and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) to boost renewable energy infrastructure.
In a statement on Friday, the ECN described the agreement as a bold step towards addressing Nigeria’s long-standing energy challenges through strategic partnerships and innovation.
According to the statement, the MoU provides a framework for supporting state-level energy planning, expanding energy resource utilisation through solar, wind, and hydroelectric solutions, and developing green energy infrastructure.
ECN said the partnership will also establish the Nigeria-China Renewable Energy Research Centre to foster technological innovation and human capacity development in renewable energy.
Advertisement
Mustapha Abdullahi, director-general (DG) of the ECN, said the collaboration aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, which has already initiated transformative reforms in the power sector, including the constitutional amendment and the signing of the Nigerian Electricity Act 2023.
“The reforms empower states to regulate their own electricity markets, making the Nigerian Governors’ Forum a vital partner in this initiative,” Abdullahi said.
He commended the NGF for embracing the opportunity to tackle the nation’s energy needs collectively.
Advertisement
Abdullahi expressed optimism that the collaboration would attract substantial investments, generate sustainable employment, and improve Nigeria’s energy security.
The DG added that the commission remains committed to supporting the federal government’s vision for a resilient and energy-secure Nigeria.
On his part, Inuwa Yahaya, governor of Gombe, represented by Muhammad Magaji, commissioner of finance, said the MoU strengthens subnational energy governance under the 2023 Electricity Act.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Yahaya said the forum “fully supports this partnership and recognises its role in advancing renewable energy reforms and accelerating energy access nationwide”.
Advertisement
Uche Nnaji, minister of innovation, science and technology, commended Abdullahi’s leadership, noting that the MoU aligns with Tinubu’s agenda of expanding clean energy access and strengthening state-level energy planning.
Nnaji added that the agreement reflects a deepening bilateral relationship “between Nigeria and China, further emphasised by the exchange of symbolic gifts during the ceremony”.
