Beijing, China — In a landmark move to advance Nigeria’s renewable energy sector, the Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chinese company Mutual Commitment Company Limited. The agreement, facilitated by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), aims to establish a renewable energy training centre and launch the assembly of electric tricycles in Nigeria.
The signing ceremony, which took place on Tuesday in Beijing, was attended by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and REA Managing Director, Abba Aliyu. The event coincided with the eve of the African-China Cooperation Summit, underscoring the importance of the partnership for both nations.
Minister Adelabu hailed the MoU as a significant milestone for Nigeria, emphasizing its alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.” He highlighted the dual pressures faced by populous countries like Nigeria and China—energy access and job creation—and expressed optimism that the partnership would address both challenges.
“With nearly 40% of Nigeria’s population lacking access to energy, this shift towards a distributed power model, focusing on renewable energy, will be pivotal in expanding energy access, particularly in rural areas and isolated institutions,” Adelabu stated.
He also pointed out that the initiative is part of a broader effort to transition Nigeria to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources, which is crucial for the country’s economic growth and environmental sustainability.
The MoU is expected to create jobs, particularly for Nigeria’s growing youth population, and contribute to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by boosting local production and reducing reliance on imports. Adelabu noted that Nigeria’s current electrification rate of 62% lags behind other African nations, but expressed confidence that initiatives like this would help close the gap.
REA’s Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, reiterated the importance of the agreement in fulfilling the government’s mandate to build local capacity and create job opportunities. He assured that the REA would closely monitor the initiative’s progress to ensure it delivers on its promises within the current administration’s tenure.
Mutual Commitment Company Limited is already engaged in Nigeria with the construction of power plants in Maiduguri and Kaduna, further solidifying its role in the country’s energy sector. MCC Vice Chairman Yan Zhezhu, speaking through an interpreter, expressed gratitude for the Nigerian government’s commitment to enhancing the nation’s energy landscape.
This partnership marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s quest for energy self-sufficiency and economic development, with far-reaching implications for the nation’s future.
