The Japanese government, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency, has committed N20 billion to expand and rehabilitate Nigeria’s national electricity grid.

Ishigame Keiji, JICA’s chief representative, said in an interview on Wednesday in Lagos that the ¥2.35 billion commitment would support the expansion of the Apapa Transmission Substation in Lagos.

He said the project aimed to rehabilitate and reinforce critical transmission infrastructure in Lagos, where rising electricity demand and ageing facilities had continued to affect reliable power supply.

“This includes construction works, equipment procurement, engineering services, operational training and project implementation support necessary to achieve the project’s objectives.

“Apapa Substation occupies a vital position within Nigeria’s transmission network. The rehabilitation and reinforcement undertaken through this project have enhanced transmission capacity. It has improved operational reliability, strengthened grid stability and reduced bottlenecks affecting power evacuation and distribution within Lagos and surrounding areas,” he said.

According to him, Japan, through JICA, is also implementing another Official Development Assistance (ODA) project through a concessional loan to enhance the transmission network in the Lagos-Ogun areas.

He said Japan would provide technical assistance and policy advisers to the power ministry as part of its support for developing Nigeria’s power sector.

“The government of Japan, through JICA, is collaborating with the Ministry of Power to enhance stable and reliable power supply in Nigeria,” Mr Keiji said.

He said Nigeria’s large market had continued to attract the interest of Japanese companies and other private-sector investors.

“Nigeria has a big, huge market, and the private sector, including Japanese companies, is quite interested in investing in the country.

“What we are doing in Nigeria is assisting the country to improve its power sector. We are providing technical cooperation, including policy advice and implementation regulations.

“So, our government support and private sector involvement will contribute to improving the power sector in Nigeria,” he said.

Mr Keiji urged the federal government and private investors to pursue a balanced mix of on-grid, off-grid and mini-grid solutions to improve electricity supply across the country.

He said JICA was collaborating with the World Bank to support the development of mini-grids, particularly in rural communities.

“So, this best mix needs to be considered in Nigeria. I think Nigeria needs to pursue the best mix of mini-grids, off-grid and on-grid solutions,” he said.

The JICA chief representative said the agency was also collaborating with the power ministry by deploying experts to support policy recommendations and institutional improvements.

He said the support was expected to help develop a more reliable and sustainable power sector in Nigeria.

(NAN)