Nigeria Unveils Ambitious Plans for Rural Electrification at COP28
TECH DIGEST- In a groundbreaking development at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, Nigeria is taking centre stage by presenting innovative strategies for rural electrification using homegrown technologies. President Bola Tinubu is spearheading Nigeria’s representation at COP28, a pivotal gathering where global leaders converge to formulate policies addressing climate change impacts and limiting temperature rises.
The ongoing event in Expo City, Dubai, has attracted a distinguished assembly of presidents, heads of state, government officials, business leaders, investors, development partners, civil society organizations, academics, and media representatives.
Participating in a crucial panel session titled ‘Advancing Sustainable Rural Electrification through Homegrown Technologies’ is Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI). Moderated by Al Amin Idris, CEO of Interface Africa, the panel features esteemed speakers including Gunther Beger, Managing Director of the Directorate for SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation (UNIDO); Mohammed Umar Bago, Governor of Niger State, Nigeria; and Miklós Veszprémi, Climate & Sustainability Expert Consultant at Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
Read Also:
Halilu is expected to shed light on NASENI’s pivotal role in promoting the development and adoption of homegrown technologies for rural electrification in Nigeria. He will elaborate on the agency’s initiatives aimed at advancing sustainable rural electrification, including partnerships with government agencies and companies such as the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL).
Since assuming office last September, Halilu has prioritized sustainable rural electrification through renewable energies. NASENI has inked strategic partnerships to ensure the provision of affordable renewable energy solutions and housing in rural communities. These collaborations involve funding research and development, facilitating technology transfer, and supporting the commercialization of innovative solutions.
Noteworthy partnerships include an agreement between NASENI and REA to deploy solar resources and other renewable energy technologies for increased electricity supply to Nigeria’s rural areas. Additionally, in November, Family Homes Funds Limited signed an MoU with NASENI to promote modern and sustainable building designs for affordable housing across Nigeria.
Halilu emphasized during the MoU signing event with FHFL that “the Agency will contribute toward reducing the cost of building materials so that Nigerians can build, own homes and deploy affordable solar energy solutions.” Family Homes Funds Ltd, a federal government-owned limited liability company represented by the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), plays a key role in these collaborative efforts. The developments showcased at COP28 underscore Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging indigenous technologies for sustainable rural development and electrification.
 in Dubai, Nigeria is taking centre){kind=link}