csrreporters 
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have entered into a landmark partnership to accelerate Nigeria’s clean energy transition, spur innovation, and equip the next generation of professionals for a future-ready energy sector.
Announcing the agreement in Abuja on Friday, the REA described the collaboration as a transformative step anchored on five pillars: energising education and innovation, scaling skills development, supporting state-level policy reforms, unlocking innovative financing, and advancing research and public engagement.
REA’s Managing Director/CEO, Abba Aliyu, hailed the partnership as a “game-changer” for Nigeria’s renewable energy ambitions. He noted that the initiative would deepen ongoing government renewable energy programmes, expand local content and domestic manufacturing, reduce governance costs, and attract sustainable investments.
“Our goal is to position Nigeria as a renewable energy hub, while catalysing innovation, research, and development,” Aliyu said.
UNDP’s Resident Representative in Nigeria, Elsie G. Attafuah, described the collaboration as a bold step toward a more sustainable and prosperous nation. She emphasised its potential to expand access to clean energy, drive innovation, empower youth, and create jobs.
“This partnership moves beyond simply powering communities—it is about unlocking their full potential,” she said, adding that UNDP is keen on harnessing Nigeria’s natural resources, such as lithium, for value-added renewable energy solutions like battery systems, while embedding innovation and research in universities.
Under the deal, UNDP’s University Innovation Pods and Maker Spaces will be integrated into REA’s Energising Education Programme, transforming federal universities and teaching hospitals into innovation hubs. The agreement will also scale REA’s NEXTGEN initiative to build a national pipeline of clean energy professionals and address youth unemployment.
At the state level, the two organisations will support policy reforms and help governments implement the Electricity Act, while leveraging blended finance models to de-risk projects, attract private capital, and strengthen the Rural Electrification Fund.
They will also collaborate on data-driven research and nationwide public engagement campaigns to build consumer support for clean energy adoption.
Both agencies expressed confidence that the partnership would fast-track Nigeria’s progress towards universal clean energy access and a greener economy.
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