Stakeholders at the 4th REEEAA Conference chart bold pathways for renewables, clean cooking, and green jobs
By Bunmi Yekini
Nigeria’s march toward a just energy transition has received a major lift, with more than $2 billion mobilized for nationwide solar deployment. The announcement came during the 4th International Conference of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Associations Alliance (REEEAA), held in Lagos.
The two-day forum, themed “From Rhetoric to Action: Driving a Just Energy Transition in Nigeria,”brought together policymakers, private sector leaders, civil society, and development partners committed to moving Nigeria from pledges to implementation.
Prof. Magnus Onuoha, President of REEEAA, set the tone in his welcome address, reaffirming the alliance’s role as the unified voice of Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.
“For over five years, REEEAA has spoken with one voice, engaging constructively for actionable outcomes. Our mission remains clear: to mainstream clean energy into Nigeria’s sustainable development agenda,” Onuoha said.
He applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for enacting the Electricity Act 2023, hailed Lagos as a subnational trailblazer, and saluted indigenous innovators dubbed the “G13.”
“This conference is not just a gathering—it is a platform for impact. Let us move together from rhetoric to action,” he urged.
Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Hon. Biodun Ogunleye, Lagos Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, highlighted the state’s bold initiatives, including converting 42,000 streetlights to solar, electrifying 32 hospitals with renewables, and boosting public infrastructure with 2,000 kilowatt-hours of power.
“Energy transition is no longer an option—it is an urgent necessity. Lagos is demonstrating that subnational governments can lead decisively through policies and investments,” Ogunleye said.
On behalf of the Minister of Power, the Rural Electrification Agency’s MD/CEO, Mallam Abba Abubakar Aliyu, announced the mobilization of over $2 billion to de-risk solar investments, with contributions from the World Bank ($750m), African Development Bank ($200m), GEAPP ($190m), and $800m under negotiation with multilaterals.
“With 45% of Nigerians lacking reliable power and losses of $25 billion annually, bridging the gap requires $23 billion in new investments,” Aliyu stressed.
Women were also placed at the heart of the transition. Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim (represented by Prince Xavier Eyamba), unveiled plans to distribute 4 million e-cookstoves and 25,000 e-tricycles, generating 40,000 green jobs.
“Women and children are disproportionately affected by energy poverty. Our clean cooking and e-mobility initiatives will lower emissions while empowering women,” she said.
Other highlights included a memorandum of understanding between REEEAA and NEMSA to strengthen technical standards, the launch of REEEAA’s Clean Energy News journal, and Germany’s €35.6 million commitment to Nigeria’s transition framework. GIZ also announced plans for an Energy Transition Challenge Fund to provide co-investment grants and technical support.
Engr. Tukur Tahir Aliyu, Director-General of NEMSA, emphasized skills development as critical to sustaining progress.
“Only technical proficiency will sustain local content development in Nigeria’s renewable sector,” he said.
Closing the conference, Prof. Abubakar Sambo, Chairman of REEEAA’s Board of Trustees (represented by Dr. Sunny Akpoyibo), called for discipline in driving the agenda forward.
“The momentum for energy transition is undeniable. What remains is the discipline to implement, monitor, and sustain these efforts.”
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