The Federal Government has expressed its commitment to improving electricity generation and transmission by learning from Egypt, which it described as a model in the sector.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, during a recent meeting in Abuja with the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohammed Fouad. The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in energy expansion, particularly in renewable energy and rural electrification.
According to a statement released on Sunday by Adelabu’s spokesperson, Bolaji Tunji, the minister commended Egypt’s achievements in energy infrastructure and expressed Nigeria’s interest in leveraging Egypt’s expertise in power generation, transmission, and distribution. He noted that Egypt’s success in the sector influenced Nigeria’s engagement with Siemens to stabilize its power supply.
“Egypt has made remarkable strides in energy transformation, and we are eager to collaborate and learn from your expertise. Our goal is to ensure reliable, stable, and affordable energy access for all Nigerians,” Adelabu said.
The minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to rural electrification, acknowledging the economic challenges of extending the national grid to remote areas. He emphasized the role of renewable energy in bridging this gap, citing significant investments such as the $750 million World Bank-funded DARES project and an additional $190 million from the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
“Many rural areas cannot be connected to the grid due to economic constraints, but we cannot neglect them. Through our renewable energy programme, we are bridging this gap,” he stated.
Adelabu highlighted Nigeria’s abundant renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, and hydroelectric potential, and reiterated the government’s determination to harness these resources for sustainable power access.
In response, Ambassador Fouad welcomed the collaboration, particularly in addressing Nigeria’s metering gap and sharing best practices in energy management.
“Nigeria and Egypt have much in common, and there is immense potential for collaboration in the energy sector. We are committed to working together to achieve sustainable energy solutions for both countries,” Fouad said.
The meeting underscored both nations’ shared commitment to enhancing energy access and fostering a sustainable electricity sector through strategic partnerships.
