Nigeria-China Partnership Set to Boost Energy Access by 30%, Says Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu

In a bid to transform Nigeria’s energy landscape, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has emphasized the importance of strategic collaboration between Nigeria and China in achieving Nigeria’s ambitious energy goals. Addressing the Chinese business community and investors at the 1st China-Nigeria Economic Cooperation and Trade Conference held in Beijing in 2024, Adelabu outlined how Nigeria’s targets for energy access and renewable energy integration present a unique opportunity for Chinese investment and expertise.

During his presentation, Adelabu highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to achieving 30GW of grid energy supply by 2030, with 30% of that coming from renewable sources. This vision, known as the 30:30:30 plan, is part of Nigeria’s broader energy sustainability agenda. The Minister underscored that by 2060, the country aims to achieve universal energy access, which means every household and business in Nigeria will have reliable electricity. These goals, according to Adelabu, open the door for substantial cooperation between Nigeria and the Chinese investment community, which has already demonstrated a strong interest in Nigeria’s energy and infrastructure sectors.

Decades of Cooperation: A Foundation for Future Growth

Adelabu made it clear that the relationship between Nigeria and China is not a new one, but rather a decades-long partnership that has yielded significant achievements across Nigeria’s power sector value chain. This cooperation has involved both public and private sector players, contributing to the expansion and stabilization of Nigeria’s energy infrastructure. With China’s advanced technology, financial resources, and expertise in energy, Nigeria has benefited from numerous investments that have helped modernize its power sector.

“To achieve this objective of universal energy access by 2060, with a short-term target under our vision 30:30:30, the Federal Government of Nigeria has implemented a multi-pronged approach designed to tackle issues across the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry value chain and set the sector on a path to recovery and prosperity,” said Adelabu during his address.

The Minister’s remarks reflected the critical role that China has played in Nigeria’s energy transition so far and the potential for even greater collaboration in the future. He urged Chinese investors to view Nigeria’s energy targets not just as a business opportunity, but as a partnership that could enhance sustainable energy solutions and improve access for millions of Nigerians who still lack reliable electricity.

Streamlining for Success: Government’s Approach to Boost Investment

Adelabu outlined several key measures that the Nigerian government has already put in place to ensure that these energy goals are met and to encourage greater investment from both domestic and international players. Chief among these is the effort to streamline legislative and policy processes, reducing bureaucratic red tape and making it easier for subnational entities, private businesses, and international investors to participate in the Nigerian energy sector. This approach has been designed to create a more efficient regulatory environment, fostering investment and speeding up project execution.

“We have streamlined legislative and policy processes to reduce bureaucratic red tape and encourage active participation from subnational entities, thereby fostering investment and project execution,” said Adelabu, addressing the concerns of international investors who may have previously found Nigeria’s regulatory environment challenging.

Beyond cutting bureaucracy, Nigeria has also taken steps to attract larger financial commitments to the energy sector by de-risking project investments. By leveraging both public and private funds, the government is creating a safer and more appealing environment for investors, allowing for faster project rollouts and larger-scale energy developments.

Embracing Technology, Innovation, and Infrastructure Development

Technology and innovation, according to Adelabu, will be central to identifying the optimal investment opportunities in Nigeria’s energy sector. By utilizing cutting-edge tools and approaches, Nigeria can better understand where the greatest needs are and how best to address them, making it easier for investors to pinpoint opportunities that will deliver both high returns and positive social impacts.

In addition to leveraging technology, Nigeria has launched a national program aimed at fast-tracking infrastructure development. This initiative focuses on building a robust and resilient grid network that can support the country’s growing energy needs while also preparing for the integration of renewable energy sources. A stronger grid will reduce the number of power outages, improve reliability, and make it easier to distribute electricity to underserved areas.

“We have initiated a national program to fast-track infrastructure development aimed at building a robust and resilient grid network,” Adelabu said. This program is seen as a vital component of Nigeria’s broader energy strategy, as the current grid system is frequently cited as one of the major obstacles to achieving the country’s energy goals.

Strategic Partnerships for Shared Prosperity

Perhaps most importantly, Adelabu stressed the need for continued strategic partnerships and collaborations with both international investors and development partners. By leveraging global expertise and resources, Nigeria can accelerate its progress toward universal energy access and renewable energy integration. China, with its wealth of experience in the energy sector, has already proven to be a valuable partner, and the Minister is eager to see this partnership grow in the years to come.

“We are fostering strategic partnerships and collaborations with investment communities and development partners to leverage global expertise, share resources, and co-invest in the energy sector,” said the Minister, emphasizing that partnerships will play a crucial role in Nigeria’s journey to a sustainable energy future.

Adelabu concluded his address by expressing optimism about the future of Nigeria-China cooperation, highlighting the tremendous potential for mutual benefit. “I believe this Nigeria-China Economic Forum presents a great opportunity for us to firm up our existing areas of collaboration and explore additional opportunities for shared prosperity,” he said, encouraging the Chinese investment community to continue supporting Nigeria’s energy goals.

The Path Forward: Achieving Energy Sustainability

As Nigeria continues its push towards achieving 30GW of grid energy supply by 2030, with a 30% renewable energy mix, and universal energy access by 2060, the role of international partnerships cannot be overstated. The 1st China-Nigeria Economic Cooperation and Trade Conference has served as a platform for reinforcing the decades-long relationship between the two countries while opening new doors for future investments and collaborations.

Nigeria’s energy future is bright, but achieving its goals will require significant effort, investment, and innovation. With China’s support and the Nigerian government’s commitment to streamlining processes, de-risking investments, and fostering partnerships, the country is well on its way to a more sustainable and inclusive energy future.

The conference in Beijing marked another step forward in the long-standing Nigeria-China partnership, setting the stage for greater collaboration in the years to come. For both countries, the stakes are high, but the rewards—a more stable, reliable, and sustainable energy supply—are worth the effort. As the Minister’s address made clear, with the right strategies and partnerships in place, Nigeria’s energy transformation is within reach, and China will play a key role in making that vision a reality.