The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), with funding from the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), inaugurated a Small Hydropower Centre of Excellence in Nigeria project on Monday.

The project, the first of its kind in Nigeria and the West African sub-region, was inaugurated in Abuja to boost electricity.

Philbert Johnson, director and UNIDO representative to ECOWAS at the UNIDO Regional Hub in Nigeria, said the project was tobe situated at the University of Abuja.

Mr Johnson said it would serve as a regional hub for knowledge transfer, technical training, and policy guidance in Small Hydropower (SHP) development.

“The project will also promote hybrid renewable energy solutions that combine SHP with solar and wind technologies to strengthen energy resilience, particularly in rural areas,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria is endowed with a tremendous amount of renewable energy resources, including hydropower, solar, biomass, and wind.

He, however, said that despite the country’s substantial SHP potential, less than five per cent had been developed due to technical, financial, and policy barriers.

“The project has great potential towards increasing access to affordable electricity and addressing climate change.

“The centre will serve as a hub for SHP knowledge transfer, technical training, and policy guidance, benefiting Nigeria and the broader West African region.

“Additionally, the centre will support the integration of hybrid renewable energy solutions, combining SHP with solar and wind technologies to enhance energy resilience and sustainability,” he said.

Mr Johnson also appreciated the Chinese delegation in Nigeria and the federal government for their invaluable support towards the project.

In his remarks, the Chinese ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, said the centre was an innovative step to implement the outcomes of the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

He said that, even though Nigeria possesses abundant hydropower resources, the country still faces significant challenges in providing a reliable, sustainable power supply.

“Small hydropower is a mature and efficient renewable energy solution. It is particularly suited for rural and remote areas and aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s needs.

“In view of this, the Chinese government has decided to jointly establish this centre through trilateral cooperation with UNIDO and the Nigerian government. It is done with financial support provided by the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund of China,” he said.

Hakeem Fawehinmi, vice chancellor of the University of Abuja, lauded the project, saying it will bridge the energy gap the country needs, particularly for industrialisation, as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Renewed Hope agenda.

“We are aware that the knowledge transfer, the technical training, and the policy guidance will benefit Nigeria and the broader West African sub-region.

“I want to assure you of the full institutional support of the university to this laudable project. We expect to see a synergy and integration with other sources of clean and renewable energy, such as the windmill and solar,” he said.

A steering committee was inaugurated to carry out the project.

(NAN)