In an ambitious move to overhaul its electricity sector, Nigeria is poised to host a groundbreaking national policy dialogue in May 2024. As Nigeria looks towards a future of sustainable and reliable electricity, the UK Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (UKNIAF) is playing a pivotal role in the upcoming National Energy Policy Dialogue in May 2024 for the Federal Ministry of Power. This crucial event, supported by the African Development Bank, UKNIAF and other partners, aims to reshape Nigeria’s energy landscape by addressing critical challenges and promoting innovative solutions, developing a robust policy framework for universal electricity access and development of Nigeria’s electricity sector.
The importance of the policy dialogue
Electricity is the lifeblood of modern economies, and for Nigeria—a nation striving to boost its economic growth and improve living standards—the establishment of a dependable and sustainable electricity supply is vital. The upcoming policy dialogue will serve as a strategic platform to discuss and devise solutions aimed at enhancing energy reliability, increasing access, and integrating sustainable practices within the national electricity sector.
The dialogue will combine expertise from government, private sector leaders, and energy specialists to tackle pressing issues such as inefficient energy distribution, reliance on non-renewable resources, and the need for substantial investments in infrastructure. The dialogue will also respond to the demand for a just and sustainable energy transition paying close attention to issues such as social inclusion and poverty reduction.
A phased dialogue for comprehensive planning
The dialogue is planned over two phases:
Phase One: Online Technical Sessions
Before the main event, a series of online technical sessions were held on 15th to 17th April to address specific sectoral challenges. These discussions enabled experts to delve into detailed aspects of regulatory frameworks, investment barriers, and strategies for capitalisation. The aim was to cultivate a well-rounded understanding of the Sector’s needs and to brainstorm potential solutions that could be implemented to overcome existing hurdles.
Phase Two: Main Event with Plenary Sessions
The main event, to be held on 16th to 17th May 2024, will feature a series of executive panel sessions that will build on the insights gained from the online sessions. Discussions will focus on the roles of various stakeholders in energy management, opportunities for attracting investments, and the pathways for incorporating renewable energy into the national grid. These sessions are expected to lead to high-level decisions and actionable strategies that will guide the future of Nigeria’s energy sector.
Support from UKNIAF
UKNIAF has been centrally involved in the planning and execution of this high-profile dialogue, providing technical expertise, strategic guidance, and facilitating discussions among a wide array of stakeholders. UKNIAF has supported this process in a number of ways, including:
Expert advisory and technical support offering expert advice and innovative solutions to improve energy efficiency and sustainability. This technical support is crucial in preparing for the dialogue, ensuring that discussions are informed, focused, and based on best practices and successful models from around the world.
Facilitating stakeholder engagement to ensure that all relevant stakeholders — from government bodies and private sector entities to development partners — are effectively engaged in the dialogue. This inclusive approach helps in identifying and addressing the various interests and concerns within the sector, thereby promoting a more comprehensive and collaborative policy-making process. To this end, UKNIAF supported the Ministry of Power in hosting a National Retreat, on 15th to 17th December 2023, which was the first in a series of events expected to culminate in the delivery of the INEP-SIP.
Structuring the dialogue to shape the agenda and the forward direction of the process. This allows for a depth of discussion on specific technical issues before bringing insights to a broader audience for strategic decision-making.
Key highlights and expectations from the event
The policy dialogue is set to be inaugurated by Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu supported by other high-ranking Federal Government officials, highlighting the government’s commitment to energy reform. The event will facilitate critical discussions among Ministers and senior public sector officials at both the Federal and State levels, industry experts, representatives of consumer groups, capital providers, licensed operators in the sector, representatives of other stakeholders such as natural gas fuel suppliers and international advisors.
Discussions between these stakeholders will focus on collaborative strategies to enhance Nigeria’s electricity supply and distribution frameworks.
This platform will also emphasize the importance of integrating renewable energy sources as part of Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable development. By exploring these innovative solutions and fostering partnerships between public and private sectors, the dialogue aims to propel Nigeria towards a greener and more energy-efficient future.
Anticipated outcomes of the dialogue
The culmination of this extensive dialogue is expected to be a comprehensive draft INEP-SIP that will outline the strategic direction for Nigeria’s electricity sector for the foreseeable future. This document will address key areas such as:
- Enhancing the stability and reliability of the electricity supply across both urban and rural areas.
- Increasing the integration of renewable energy sources to reduce the environmental impact.
- Encouraging investment in energy infrastructure to support economic growth and development.
Conclusion
As Nigeria stands at a pivotal juncture in its energy sector reform, the National Policy Dialogue on Electricity is more than just a series of meetings; it represents a forward-thinking approach to resolving longstanding challenges. By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, Nigeria aims to forge a consensus on sustainable energy practices that will drive the nation’s development, promote environmental sustainability, and improve the overall quality of life for its citizens. This dialogue is not only about shaping policy but also about crafting a legacy of sustainable development for future generations. UKNIAF is proud to be associated with this process.
