The European Union (EU) and Germany on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, launched an initiative as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s electricity access challenges, particularly in rural areas.
Ms. Inga Stefanowicz, Team Leader for Green and Digital Economy, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, while speaking at the launch of the Nigeria Country Window initiative in Lagos, emphasised its importance.
The initiative is organised by GET.invest Nigeria.
“The EU remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s energy transition and sustainable growth.
“Reliable electricity is crucial for economic development, and unlocking finance for renewable energy solutions is vital to closing Nigeria’s energy access gap.
“Through GET.invest Nigeria, we aim to facilitate access to finance for renewable energy projects that will benefit businesses and communities across the country,” she said.
The initiative aims to accelerate investments in renewable energy solutions by unlocking finance for sustainable energy projects and businesses, specifically tailored to the Nigerian context.
It is being implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
The initiative will closely cooperate with other donor-funded initiatives in Nigeria, particularly the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), which has been co-funded by the EU and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) since 2013.
Mr Mamman Mahmuda, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Power, said that Nigeria remained committed to a brighter and more sustainable future.
The permanent secretary, represented by an Assistant Director in the ministry, Mr Temitope Dina, said that such commitment signals the arrival of GET.invest Nigeria at a critical time in the nation’s journey toward achieving sustainable development.
He said: “With the right investments, policies and technologies, we can create a cleaner, greener and more resilient energy system.
“This transformation is not just a goal; it is a necessity for ensuring energy access for all Nigerians, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, and enhancing our environmental stewardship.”
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, called on investors to see the launch as an opportunity to invest wisely and strategically.
According to him, this is because the return on investment promises to be very high.
He added that “GET.invest Nigeria is our answer to some of the country’s challenges. It is also part of our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and resilience.”
In his remarks, Consul General at the German Consulate General in Lagos, Weert Börner, highlighted Germany’s commitment.
“Germany is proud to co-fund GET.invest Nigeria as part of our broader partnership with Nigeria in fostering sustainable economic development.
“By supporting private sector investment in renewable energy, we aim to strengthen Nigeria’s clean energy ecosystem and contribute to long-term economic growth.
“We look forward to seeing this initiative help unlock new opportunities for businesses and communities alike,” he said.
Meanwhile, GET.invest Nigeria Coordinator, Mr Lawrence Efanga Edeke, while underscoring the role of the New Country Window in driving energy investment, said, “GET.invest Nigeria is not a silver bullet but an essential part of scaling up investments in the renewable energy sector.
“By working closely with project developers, financiers and policymakers, we aim to mobilise the level of investment required to meet Nigeria’s ambitious energy and climate commitments, ultimately fostering a sustainable and inclusive energy transition.”
Through the initiative, GET.invest Nigeria will also provide market intelligence, industry mobilisation and capacity development support to local stakeholders, equipping them with the tools needed to expand clean energy solutions across the country.
Also, the initiative is set to accelerate investments that will enhance energy security, drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for millions of Nigerians.
Together with its donors, the European Union, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden and Austria, GET.invest has established a series of country windows that allow the programme to focus on selected national sustainable energy markets.
By Grace Alegba