The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) hosted a historic signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Energy Engineering Corporation Ltd (Energy China) and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum.
The landmark agreement signifies a bold step forward in addressing Nigeria’s long-standing energy challenges through strategic partnerships and innovation-driven solutions.
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Speaking at the event, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of the ECN, emphasized that the collaboration aligns perfectly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which has already initiated transformative reforms in the power sector, including the amendment of the constitution and the signing of the Nigerian Electricity Act 2023.
These reforms empower states to regulate their own electricity markets, making the Nigerian Governors’ Forum a vital partner in this initiative. He commended the Forum for embracing this opportunity to jointly tackle the nation’s energy needs.
The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework that includes support for state-level energy planning, expansion of energy resource utilization, particularly through solar, wind, and hydro-electric solutions, and the development of green energy infrastructure. Notably, the partnership will also establish the Nigeria-China Renewable Energy Research Centre, which aims to boost technological innovation and human capacity development in the renewable energy space.
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Dignitaries present at the ceremony included His Excellency Inuwa Muhammad Yahaya, Governor of Gombe State, represented by Mallam Muhammad Gambo Magaji, Honourable Commissioner of Finance; Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology; Dr. Abdullateef Shittu, Director-General of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum; and Dr. Song Hai Liang, Chairman of Energy China.
Governor Yahaya, speaking on behalf of the NGF, described the MoU as a key step in strengthening sub-national energy governance under the 2023 Electricity Act.
He emphasized the role of states in advancing renewable energy through tailored reforms and pledged the NGF’s support for the partnership with China Energy to accelerate energy access nationwide.
Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, commended Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi for his leadership in driving the MoU, aligning it with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
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He highlighted the agreement’s role in expanding clean energy access and strengthening state-level energy planning. To further commemorate the strengthening bilateral relationship, both countries exchanged symbolic gifts during the MoU signing ceremony, reflecting mutual respect and shared commitment to a sustainable energy future.
Dr. Abdullahi expressed optimism that the collaboration would attract substantial investments, generate sustainable employment across states, and significantly improve Nigeria’s energy security. He concluded by thanking all partners and reaffirming the Energy Commission’s unwavering commitment to supporting the federal government’s vision for a resilient and energy-secure Nigeria.