The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have signed a landmark partnership to accelerate Nigeria’s clean energy transition, boost innovation, and develop a future-ready workforce.
The collaboration will focus on five key pillars energising education and innovation, expanding skills development, supporting state-level policy reforms, unlocking innovative financing, and advancing research and communication — to deliver sustainable and inclusive growth.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, REA’s Chief Executive, Abba Aliyu, described the initiative as a “game-changer” for Nigeria’s energy future, stressing that it would build on the federal government’s renewable energy scale-up efforts, unlock opportunities in local content and manufacturing, and attract sustainable investments.
“Our goal is to position Nigeria as a renewable energy hub, reduce governance costs, and catalyse innovation, research, and development. The REA–UNDP partnership pillars are specifically targeted at advancing ongoing efforts in the clean energy space in Nigeria, catalysing opportunities across critical ecosystems and unlocking the full potentials in innovation, R&D, local expertise and sustainable investment,” Aliyu said.
UNDP’s Resident Representative in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, said the partnership was a bold step towards a more sustainable and prosperous nation.
“Our partnership will not only provide access to clean energy but also serve as a powerful engine for innovation, youth empowerment, and job creation. We are moving beyond simply powering communities to igniting their full potential,” she stated.
She noted the importance of transforming natural resources such as lithium into renewable products like battery systems and stressed the need for innovation and R\&D to remain central in universities to create green jobs.
Under the agreement, UNDP’s University Innovation Pods (UNIPODS) and Maker Spaces will be integrated into REA’s Energising Education Programme (EEP), turning federal universities and teaching hospitals into hubs of innovation where students can acquire practical skills and design local solutions.
UNDP will also support REA’s *NextGen* initiative to train a new generation of clean energy professionals, creating a national talent pipeline to address youth unemployment and position Nigeria for leadership in the renewable sector.
In addition, the partnership will provide states with technical assistance and policy guidance to implement the Electricity Act effectively and harmonise energy policies. It will leverage blended finance to de-risk projects, attract private capital, strengthen the Rural Electrification Fund, and produce robust data and evidence on sustainable energy progress.
According to both organisations, the partnership reflects UNDP’s commitment to inclusive, locally driven, and resilient development, and REA’s mandate to extend sustainable energy to Nigeria’s unserved and underserved communities.
Emmanuel Addeh
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