The African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) has announced an ambitious initiative aimed at bringing clean energy to one million homes in rural areas across Nigeria.
This bold plan was unveiled by Mr. Jabiru Abdullahi, the National Coordinator of AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, during an inaugural media event held in Abuja on Tuesday.
In his address, Abdullahi acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead, particularly the financial demands of such a substantial project. However, he expressed confidence in AUDA-NEPAD’s ability to engage with partners who share a commitment to advancing clean energy solutions.
“I have an agenda which I hope to achieve. Starting from this year, I intend to light up one million houses using clean energy. It is by no means an easy task. But it is doable. With the right partners that are there to mitigate climate changes, we will achieve this,” Abdullahi stated.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration, transparency, and sustainable development. Highlighting the agency’s role in advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063, he praised the media for its capacity to influence public discussions, hold institutions accountable, and connect citizens with effective governance. Abdullahi urged the media to promote transformative narratives and support initiatives that foster accountability within governance structures.
In outlining AUDA-NEPAD’s upcoming priorities, Abdullahi stressed the need for good governance, capacity building, and the empowerment of vulnerable groups such as farmers, youth, and women. These initiatives, he noted, would align with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to inspire collective action toward a prosperous Africa while addressing significant national challenges.
The coordination of the initiative to electrify one million homes will occur in phases, with the focus primarily on rural communities that currently face challenges in accessing electricity. Abdullahi provided insights into the logistics, explaining that the rollout would be strategically distributed nationwide.
Reflecting on AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria’s recent achievements, Abdullahi pointed to the successful completion of Nigeria’s second peer review process and the empowerment of over 55 professionals through the NEPAD Academy, which provides essential skills in governance, technology, and leadership.
He also highlighted ongoing programs designed to support smallholder farmers, offering them critical resources and knowledge to enhance their productivity and secure food systems across the nation.
