Nigeria and Japan have taken significant steps to strengthen their bilateral energy partnership following the visit of the Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, and a high-level delegation to Japan.
Malam Mutari Ibrahim, Director of Promotion and Outreach (PIO) at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Saturday, February 22, 2025.
Ibrahim stated that the minister, along with a delegation of key stakeholders in Nigeria’s power sector, recently concluded a three-day strategic visit to Japan aimed at strengthening bilateral energy partnerships.
The visit was facilitated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
He said that the visit provided a platform for engaging with Japanese energy leaders, policymakers, and industry experts, with a focus on enhancing Nigeria’s power infrastructure, improving grid reliability, and exploring innovative energy solutions.
He highlighted key engagements and strategic learnings that took place during the visit.
“The minister and the Nigerian delegation engaged in high-level discussions and technical sessions, gaining insights into Japan’s energy market structure, policy frameworks, and operational models.
“The key area of focus includes policy and evolution of Japan’s power sector,” he said.
Ibrahim said that the delegation received a comprehensive briefing on the evolution of Japan’s power sector, its regulatory framework, “and how the sector efficiently manages electricity distribution and market operations.”
He said that these insights provided valuable lessons for Nigeria’s evolving power market, electricity management and system operations.
Ibrahim said that the delegation also explored Japan’s advanced electricity load dispatching mechanisms, the operational framework for generation and distribution coordination.
””Grid optimisation strategies, which could inform best practices for Nigeria’s power sector reforms, energy trading and market operations.
”The Nigeria’s energy stakeholders examined Japan’s electricity supply system and power exchange market, analysing models that could improve Nigeria’s electricity market efficiency.
“Energy pricing mechanisms, and competitiveness and strategic bilateral meetings,” he said.
Ibrahim also said that the minister and the team further engaged in high-level technical discussions to deepen Nigeria-Japan energy sector cooperation, including a bilateral meeting with the Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry.
He said that during the meeting, both parties explored opportunities to strengthen economic and energy sector collaborations.
According to him, they also held a strategic session with JICA leadership, where potential areas of support and collaboration were identified to accelerate power sector reforms and investment in Nigeria.
“As part, of the visit, the delegation conducted on-site technical assessments of key Japanese energy facilities: DAIKIN Solution Plaza and provided insights into energy-efficient and innovative cooling solutions.
”Emphasising the integration of energy efficiency strategies into Nigeria’s power development agenda.
“They also visited Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) and explored Japan’s grid management strategies, resilience planning, and sustainable power solutions.
“This is with a view to adopting best practices to enhance Nigeria’s national grid reliability, key outcomes and next steps,” he said.
Ibrahim said that the visit resulted in the identification and advancement of key initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s power sector: Short-Term Grid Reliability Measures.
He said the discussions focused on immediate steps that Nigeria could implement to enhance national grid stability and resilience, leveraging Japan’s expertise in grid operations and maintenance.
”The visit also advanced JICA’s potential co-financing support for the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) Project, implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
”This initiative is set to expand energy access in rural and underserved communities, stimulating economic growth and sustainable development.Long-Term Collaboration & Investment Opportunities.
”The engagements laid a strong foundation for future collaboration between Nigeria and Japan, unlocking opportunities for technology transfer, capacity building, and investments in Nigeria’s energy infrastructure.
“A Unified Approach to Power Sector Transformation,” he said.
The minister was accompanied on the visit by Mahmuda Mamman, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, and Mr. Sanusi Garba, Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC),
Also, on the delegation were Mr. Sule Abdulaziz, Managing Director, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), and Mr. Abba Aliyu, Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
By Constance Athekame