The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has requested the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s assistance in securing potential co-financing for the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up Project. This initiative aims to broaden the reach of renewable energy across Nigeria. The $750 million World Bank-backed program, led by the Rural Electrification Agency, is set to provide electricity to 17.5 million Nigerians.
Adelabu made the request during a high-level delegation visit to Japan, where key stakeholders from Nigeria’s power sector sought to strengthen bilateral energy partnerships. The visit, held over three days, served as a platform for discussions with Japanese energy leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to enhance Nigeria’s power infrastructure, improve grid reliability, and explore innovative energy solutions.
The Nigerian government aims to secure $200 million from JICA as part of a broader strategy to attract over $1 billion in private capital and additional funding from development partners. According to the Rural Electrification Agency, the visit led to the identification of critical initiatives to support Nigeria’s power sector.
The statement highlighted key outcomes, including:
- Short-Term Grid Reliability Measures: Discussions centered on immediate actions Nigeria can take to improve the stability and resilience of its national grid, with Japan offering expertise in grid operations and maintenance.
- Co-Financing for the DARES Project: The visit advanced JICA’s potential involvement in co-financing the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up Project, which will enhance energy access in rural and underserved areas, fostering economic growth and sustainable development.
- Long-Term Collaboration and Investment: The meetings laid the groundwork for ongoing collaboration between Nigeria and Japan, with a focus on technology transfer, capacity building, and investment in Nigeria’s energy infrastructure.
Adelabu and his team also held technical discussions to deepen energy sector cooperation, including a bilateral meeting with Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, where both parties explored opportunities to strengthen economic and energy sector ties.
