Economy

FG Launches Hydropower Centre to Boost Rural Electricity Access

Published

7 months ago

March 31, 2026

Q Tinny

Nigeria hydropower centre launched in Abuja to boost rural electricity, expand renewable energy, and support agro-industrial development

The Federal Government has partnered with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation and the Chinese government to launch a Small Hydropower Centre of Excellence in Abuja, in a renewed push to expand rural electrification and strengthen renewable energy capacity.

Also read: Adelabu Promises Improved Electricity Supply Soon

The initiative, funded by the China International Development Cooperation Agency, is designed to position Nigeria as a regional hub for small hydropower development while supporting agro-industrial growth in underserved communities.

The Nigeria hydropower centre, the first of its kind in the country and the West African sub-region, will be domiciled at the University of Abuja and will focus on technical training, policy development, and knowledge transfer.

Regional Director of UNIDO, Philbert Johnson, described energy as a critical driver of economic growth, noting that Nigeria’s vast renewable resources remain largely untapped.

“Small hydropower holds great potential towards increasing access to affordable electricity and addressing climate change,” he said, adding that less than five per cent of Nigeria’s small hydropower capacity has been developed due to technical, financial, and policy constraints.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, said the project represents a decisive step towards sustainable energy access and rural transformation.

“Small hydropower presents a unique opportunity to harness water resources in an environmentally sustainable manner while addressing the energy needs of rural communities and agro-industries,” he stated.

Utsev emphasised that improved energy access would strengthen agricultural value chains, enhance food security, and create jobs across rural economies.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Hakeem Fawehinmi, assured stakeholders of the institution’s full support, noting that the centre would bridge critical knowledge gaps and promote integration with other renewable sources such as solar and wind.

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, highlighted Nigeria’s abundant hydropower resources, describing small hydropower as a practical and efficient solution for off-grid and rural electrification challenges.

He added that the project forms part of a broader China-Africa-UN cooperation framework aimed at advancing sustainable development across the continent.

The centre is expected to drive innovation by integrating hydropower with solar and wind systems, enhancing energy resilience and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

The launch comes at a critical time as Nigeria continues to grapple with persistent electricity shortages, particularly in rural areas where access to reliable power remains limited.

Also read: FG to Share Electricity Subsidy Costs Across All Tiers

Stakeholders believe the initiative could serve as a transformative model for expanding clean energy access and accelerating economic development across the region.

Up Next

NLC Shuts Down AEDC HQ Over Controversial Worker Disengagement

Don't Miss

Nigeria Set to Benefit Most in Africa from Middle East Energy Crisis

Q Tinny

Click to comment

Economy

NRS Assures Taxpayers VAT Remains at 7.5% Amid Tax Reform Concerns

Published

1 day ago

October 27, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

NRS VAT rate remains 7.5%, the agency says, while addressing concerns over bank deductions, loans and the implementation of Nigeria’s tax reforms

The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has assured taxpayers that Nigeria’s standard Value Added Tax (VAT) rate remains 7.5 per cent, while addressing concerns over the implementation of the country’s new tax reforms.

Also read: Wike Celebrates Fintiri at 59, Hails Him as Loyal Friend

The assurance was given by the Tax Administrator responsible for Kano, Jigawa and Katsina states, Samaila Abdullahi, during an NRS stakeholders’ engagement and tax reform sensitisation programme in Kano.

Abdullahi said concerns raised by individuals, traders, business owners and other stakeholders about the new tax laws were understandable, particularly questions relating to bank transactions, loans, family transfers, business income and the potential impact on small businesses.

He urged taxpayers to understand the reforms through the provisions of the law rather than rely on assumptions or misinformation.

According to him, the tax laws do not automatically authorise deductions from personal bank accounts.

He stressed that tax collection and recovery must follow the applicable legal provisions and procedures.

Abdullahi also clarified that money received as a loan should not automatically be classified as business income or profit, explaining that proper documentation is essential to establish the nature of a transaction.

“For instance, when a trader receives a loan of N500,000, the amount should not automatically be treated as N500,000 in sales or profit, provided the transaction is properly documented,” he said.

The NRS official’s comments were aimed at addressing public concerns about how the new tax framework would affect personal finances and business transactions.

He emphasised the importance of distinguishing between taxable business receipts and other funds, such as documented loans, when determining a taxpayer’s obligations.

The clarification comes amid heightened public interest in Nigeria’s tax reforms and questions about their implications for individuals, traders and small businesses.