Abuja, Nigeria – June 8, 2024

The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) embarked on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria, visiting the 3MW Solar Hybrid Power Plant at the University of Abuja’s Permanent Site and the 362kWp Interconnected Mini Grid Project in Toto Community, Nasarawa State. The Head Project Management Unit of the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), Olufemi Akinyelure alongside staff of the Project Management Unit (PMU) led the delegation. This mission aims to assess the viability of providing parallel financing for the Nigeria Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up(DARES) initiative and showcase the diversity of projects under the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP).

The first visit, facilitated by PowerGen Limited, developer of the first ever interconnected solar hybrid mini grid in Nigeria, seeks to provide JICA with firsthand information on the projects’ implementation and impact. The mission comes as JICA considers potential funding support for DARES, aligning with its commitment to promoting sustainable development in Africa.

The University of Abuja’s Solar Hybrid Power Plant, under the Energizing Education Programme (EEP) Phase II, demonstrates a successful model for renewable energy integration in education institutions. Meanwhile, the Toto Community Mini Grid Project showcases a replicable model for rural electrification.

This fact-finding mission marks a significant step towards strengthening partnerships and accelerating the transition to renewable energy in Nigeria. The outcome will potentially inform JICA’s decision, further solidifying the agency’s commitment to sustainable development in Africa.

The visit highlights the progress made in Nigeria’s electrification journey and underscores the importance of collaboration in achieving a sustainable energy future.