The Federal Government has partnered with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the Chinese government to establish a Small Hydropower Centre of Excellence in Abuja, in a renewed effort to address Nigeria’s power deficit and drive rural development.
The project, funded by the China International Development Cooperation Agency, is aimed at expanding renewable energy capacity, improving electricity access in underserved communities and supporting agro-industrial growth.
The facility, to be hosted by the University of Abuja, is the first of its kind in Nigeria and the West African sub-region. It is expected to function as a hub for technical training, research, policy development and knowledge sharing in small hydropower deployment.
Speaking at the inauguration, UNIDO Regional Director, Philbert Johnson, described energy as a key driver of economic growth, noting that Nigeria’s renewable energy potential remains largely untapped.
He said small hydropower presents a viable solution to improving access to affordable electricity, adding that less than five per cent of the country’s potential in that area has been developed due to technical, financial and policy constraints.
According to him, the new centre is designed to bridge these gaps by building local capacity and promoting integrated renewable energy solutions.
“The centre will serve as a platform for knowledge transfer, technical training and policy support, not only for Nigeria but for the wider West African region,” he said.
Johnson added that the initiative would encourage hybrid energy systems by combining hydropower with solar and wind technologies to enhance sustainability and resilience.
Also speaking, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, said the project represents a significant step towards achieving inclusive energy access and economic resilience.
He noted that small hydropower offers an environmentally sustainable means of harnessing water resources while meeting the energy needs of rural communities and agro-based industries.
Utsev emphasised that improved energy access would strengthen agricultural value chains, enhance food security and create employment opportunities.
He also urged members of the project steering committee to ensure transparency and accountability in implementation.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Hakeem Fawehinmi, assured stakeholders of the institution’s commitment to the success of the project, pledging full institutional support.
Similarly, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, said Nigeria’s vast hydropower resources provide a strong foundation for expanding renewable energy, despite ongoing electricity challenges.
He described small hydropower as a practical and efficient solution, particularly for rural and off-grid communities, noting that the initiative forms part of broader China-Africa cooperation on sustainable development.
Dunhai added that the centre would facilitate knowledge exchange, capacity building and policy guidance, while supporting the integration of hydropower with other renewable sources.
The project comes amid persistent power supply challenges in Nigeria, especially in rural areas where access to electricity remains limited.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the initiative would help unlock the country’s hydropower potential, strengthen local expertise and support the Federal Government’s drive towards a diversified and sustainable energy mix.
