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.

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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.

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