Nigeria hydropower centre launch aims to boost rural electrification and renewable energy through a new UNIDO backed hydropower hub in Abuja

The Federal Government of Nigeria on Monday in Abuja launched a Small Hydropower Centre of Excellence in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation and the Chinese government, in a strategic move aimed at addressing the country’s electricity deficit and expanding access to renewable energy in rural communities.

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The initiative, funded by the China International Development Cooperation Agency, is designed to strengthen rural electrification, support agro industrial development and build technical capacity for small hydropower deployment across Nigeria and the wider West African region.

The centre, the first of its kind in Nigeria and the sub region, will be domiciled at the University of Abuja and is expected to function as a regional hub for training, research, policy development and knowledge transfer in renewable energy systems.

Speaking at the inauguration, UNIDO Regional Director Philbert Johnson described energy as a critical driver of sustainable economic growth, noting that Nigeria possesses significant untapped renewable energy resources including hydropower, solar, biomass and wind.

Philbert Johnson highlighted that small hydropower in particular holds strong potential to improve electricity access while supporting climate friendly development.

He noted that despite this potential, less than five per cent of Nigeria’s small hydropower resources have been developed, citing technical, financial and policy challenges as key constraints.

He explained that the newly established centre is intended to address these barriers by serving as a hub for technical training, policy guidance and capacity building.

Johnson added that the initiative would also promote hybrid energy systems that integrate small hydropower with solar and wind technologies to enhance energy resilience.

Nigeria’s Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, described the project as a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to expand inclusive energy access and strengthen rural economies.

He said the initiative represents a step forward in achieving sustainable energy development and economic resilience.

Joseph Utsev emphasised the importance of small hydropower in supporting agricultural value chains, noting that reliable electricity is essential for irrigation, processing, storage and distribution.

He stated that integrating renewable energy into agro industrial systems would help boost food security, create jobs and stimulate rural economic activity.

The minister also stressed the need for transparency and accountability in the implementation of the project, urging the steering committee to uphold high standards of governance to ensure effective delivery.

Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof Hakeem Fawehinmi, assured stakeholders of the institution’s full support, noting that the university would provide the necessary academic and institutional backing to ensure the success of the centre.

He added that the initiative would contribute to bridging Nigeria’s energy gap and complement other renewable energy sources.

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, also spoke at the event, describing small hydropower as a practical and mature renewable energy solution suitable for rural electrification.

He noted that Nigeria’s abundant water resources present significant opportunities for development, despite ongoing challenges in power supply.

Yu Dunhai explained that the project forms part of broader cooperation between China, Africa and the United Nations to promote sustainable development.

He added that China’s experience with small hydropower has played a key role in expanding electricity access in rural areas, serving as a model for similar initiatives.

Nigeria continues to face persistent electricity shortages, particularly in rural areas where access to reliable power remains limited.

The launch of the hydropower centre is expected to help address these gaps by building local expertise and supporting coordinated development of renewable energy infrastructure.

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The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader energy transition agenda, which seeks to diversify the country’s energy mix away from fossil fuels while improving access to clean and affordable electricity for millions of citizens.