The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), in partnership with the European Union (EU), has launched a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and supporting Nigeria’s transition to renewable energy.
The project, titled “Promoting Small Hydropower Development and Circular Economy Approaches in Nigeria,” was unveiled in Abuja during a two-day workshop focused on leveraging hydropower to strengthen the country’s agro-industry.
The initiative, funded by the European Union, is comprised of two key sub-projects: Small Hydro Power Development for Agro-Industry Use in Nigeria (SHP-DAIN) and Advancing Nigeria’s Green and Just Transition to Net Zero through Circular Economy Practices. These projects aim to integrate small hydropower systems into Nigeria’s agricultural value chains, enhancing livelihoods, creating decent jobs, and promoting food sufficiency across all six geopolitical zones of the country.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Reuben Bamidele, National Programme Officer of UNIDO, emphasised that one of the main goals of SHP-DAIN is to expand Nigeria’s energy mix by integrating small hydropower systems. This will, in turn, improve energy access for agricultural sectors and help develop rural communities. He also highlighted the need for capacity building, focusing on empowering policymakers, renewable energy developers, and financial institutions to effectively implement hydropower projects.
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Addressing the persistent challenges in Nigeria’s energy sector, Bamidele stressed the importance of community engagement and proper water resource management to ensure the successful execution of the project.
Mr. Godfrey Ogbemudia, the EU Delegation’s Programme Manager for Energy, Green, and Circular Economy in Nigeria and ECOWAS, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting renewable energy development in Nigeria. He disclosed that the EU had committed 5,000 euros to support the initiative and has consistently backed Nigeria’s energy sector with policy advocacy, capacity building, and financial aid, particularly in solar energy development.
Ogbemudia also emphasised the need for scalability, knowledge transfer, and seed funding to guarantee the long-term sustainability of renewable energy ventures.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Abubakar Kyari, represented by the Deputy Director of Renewable Energy, Mr. Adebayo Adebeji, praised the collaboration, describing the project as pivotal to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector and improving rural energy access. He noted that the initiative provides a timely solution to boosting agro-productivity and strengthening food systems in Nigeria’s rural areas.
Also, Mr. John Owa-Akeno, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, represented by Mr. Akeju Olutayo, highlighted Nigeria’s vast water resources and arable land as key assets that position the country to lead in renewable energy-driven agro-industrial growth. He stated that small hydropower could foster rural development, create jobs, enhance food security, and reduce carbon emissions.
