Governors Forum, China signs MoU to launch Energy Planning Units

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Nigerian Governors Forum and China is a significant step toward improving Nigeria’s energy infrastructure at the sub-national level. Photo: NGF

The Nigerian Governors Forum has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China to establish State Energy Planning Implementation units.

Speaking on behalf of the chairman of the Governors Forum, the Chairman of Northern Governors Forum and governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya, explained that the MOU is a critical step in strengthening the institutional framework for sub-national energy governance by fostering energy security, efficiency, and economic development across the states.

”It is crucial to acknowledge the transformative journey that Nigeria is embarking upon in the area of access to sustainable electricity, which includes renewable energy, particularly in the wake of the recently passed Electricity Act of 2023.” Governor Inuwa said.

Governor Inuwa maintained that since the passing of the Electricity Act, the country has witnessed a surge of innovations and reforms aimed at revamping the nation’s energy sector.

“‘We are moving towards more decentralized energy solutions, encouraging the integration of renewable energy solutions to provide sustainable and affordable electricity to our communities,” he explained.

The chairman of the Northern States Governors said the Act has also laid the groundwork for improving regulatory frameworks, by enabling private sector investments, and fostering public-private partnerships, a vital component for the successful implementation of renewable energy goals.’

However, he said, ”We must acknowledge that these advances come with their own set of challenges. Shortfalls in infrastructure, financing, and regulatory hurdles continue to impede progress. We must address these issues collaboratively.”

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, said, ”This collaboration supports the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This partnership reflects our shared ambition to expand access to clean energy, strengthen energy planning at the state level, and promote sustainable technologies, all in alignment with our National Energy Masterplan and national development goals.”

According to the Minister, the scope of this MoU includes the deployment of renewable energy infrastructure (solar, wind, hydro), and establishment of a Nigeria-China Renewable Energy Research Centre to drive innovation, technology transfer, and capacity-building.

“This initiative will not only improve energy access, especially in off-grid communities, but also support job creation, investment, and our climate commitments. To the Governors’ Forum, I commend your proactive involvement. Your citizens will benefit directly from this long-term vision.

The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology stands fully behind this initiative and will ensure its swift and transparent implementation. Together, we are building a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient energy future for Nigeria.”, the minister said

The chairman of the China Energy commission, Dr Song Liang, pledged full implementation of the MOU and to ensure full cooperation between Nigeria and China.

He further said that there is the need to prioritise the development the energy sector as well support sharing of intelligence on issues relating to renew energy promotion

He promised to improve energy storage in all sectors, including green energy, promising to turn the Nigeria-China relationship to a new phase of cooperation.

The Director General of the governor forum, Dr Abdullateef Shittu, explained that since the passing of the Electricity Act, the NGF has been playing a pivotal role supporting and coordinating the efforts of states in their implementation of the Act.

By establishing State Energy Planning Implementation Units, the MoU empowers individual states to tailor energy strategies to their specific needs, rather than relying solely on federal initiatives. This could lead to more efficient and targeted energy solutions.

China has extensive experience in energy infrastructure, especially in renewables and power grid expansion. Partnering with them could bring technical expertise, investment, and access to advanced energy technologies.

More importantly, reliable energy is a cornerstone of economic growth. With better planning and implementation at the state level, this could lead to improved industrial productivity, job creation, and better living standards.

FRCN