In a concerted effort to advance hydropower in the country, laying a foundation for sustainable energy development and economic growth, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, and the Federal Ministry of Power, with the support of the African Development Bank (AfDB), has championed the advancement of hydropower generation across Nigeria.
Speaking at the World Hydropower Outlook Summit tagged “Advancing Sustainable Growth, Hydropower Africa,” which held on Wednesday in Abuja, the Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Bello Goronyo, highlighted the diverse potentials of hydropower, including its capacity to boost economic growth, enhance access to electricity, and propel social development across the continent.
He further emphasized the pivotal role of reliable energy in driving industrialization and economic growth, underscoring the Ministry’s dedication to enhancing efficiency in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution through the operation of hydropower dams across Nigeria.
Goronyo highlighted Nigeria’s launch of the Gazette of the National Energy Policy and National Energy Master Plan, paving the way for enhanced energy sufficiency crucial for driving rapid industrialization and securing food production.
The Minister also announced the development of hydropower sites capable of generating approximately 14,000 megawatts of electricity. According to him, these sites encompass both major and micro power installations strategically located nationwide, aiming to ensure sustainable power for all by 2030.He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing power generation through the concessioning of Gurara, Kashimbilla, and Dadin-Kowa hydropower dams.
He described hydropower as a beacon of hope, heralding a future where clean energy not only fuels progress but also ignites economic prosperity, paving the way for Nigeria’s bright tomorrow.
Goronyo cautioned that while pursuing hydropower, careful evaluation of its environmental and social impacts on ecosystems and host communities is necessary. He called for comprehensive environmental impact assessments, robust mitigation measures, and meaningful stakeholders engagement.
Additionally, he emphasized that Africa finds itself at a critical juncture in harnessing hydropower opportunities amidst challenges, stressing the urgent need for energy security and environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the event, the Hon. Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has significantly empowered the power sector by signing the Electricity Act of 2023. He added that this legislation shifted the control of power generation, transmission, and distribution from the exclusive to the concurrent list, laying the groundwork for Nigeria to achieve SDG 7 through the National Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan.
Adelabu underscored the pursuit of sustainable energy for all by 2030, a vision that entails the provision of 30 gigawatts of electricity by 2030, with 30% derived from renewable sources such as hydro, solar, and wind energy that will foster a greener, more resilient energy landscape for the nation’s future.
The Minister highlighted the Federal Government’s initiative, backed by the World Bank, to develop a Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria, (SPIN) project, stressing that the project aims to enhance the utilization of existing storage for irrigation and hydropower generation, thereby fostering integrated water resources management in the country.
