The event took place during the state’s executive council meeting with representatives of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructural Development, Electrification Board and Ministry of Lands and Housing in attendance.
The cooperation was part of the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP) funded by the European Union and the German Government and implemented by GIZ.
NESP aimed at improving the state’s electrification planning capacities and developing self-sustaining models that foster the provision of electricity to rural communities using small scale renewable energy technologies.
The German Ambassador, His Excellency, Mr. Michael Zenner, said NESP was a crucial element of German-Nigerian strategic relations, particularly in the energy sector
The EU Deputy Head of Delegation, Mr. Richard Young, stated: “The European Union is committed to supporting the government of Niger State in providing access to sustainable electricity in the state. Under the EU development programmes in Nigeria 2007-2020, improving access to electricity especially in the North is a major priority”.
On his part, the GIZ Country Director, Dr. Thomas Kirsch, noted: “The programme will support the state government in its strive to provide power to more people in the state by using the abundant renewable energy resources.”