The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have formalised a landmark partnership to accelerate Nigeria’s clean energy transition, foster innovation, and prepare a future-ready workforce.
According to a statement from the REA, the collaboration will focus on five core pillars: energising education and innovation, expanding skills development, supporting state-level policy reforms, unlocking innovative financing, and advancing research and communication.
At the signing ceremony in Abuja, REA Chief Executive, Abba Aliyu, described the partnership as a “game-changer” for Nigeria’s clean energy future. He stressed that the initiative would build on ongoing federal government renewable energy scale-up efforts, strengthen local content and manufacturing, and drive sustainable investments.
“Our goal is to position Nigeria as a renewable energy hub, reduce governance costs, and catalyse innovation, research, and development,” Aliyu said. “The REA-UNDP partnership pillars are specifically targeted at advancing ongoing efforts in the clean energy space, catalysing opportunities across critical ecosystems, and unlocking the full potential of local expertise and investment.”
The UNDP-REA collaboration is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to deliver inclusive growth while advancing its long-term sustainability agenda.