Nigeria to review power MoU with Germany

By Chris Ochayi

The Federal Government has said that it will examine and review existing Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, signed with Germany in the power sector with a view to strengthening and making them workable.

The Minister of Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo, disclosed this in Abuja last week when he received in audience the newly posted Ambassador of Germany to Nigeria, Mr. Michael Zenner, who paid him a visit on assumption of duty.

Nebo said the Bi-national Conference scheduled for October in Berlin, Germany, will be a platform for strengthening of co-operation between Nigeria and Germany, as the up-coming event will examine and review the existing MoU.

He specifically identified enormous work done in the area of cooperation and assistance for Nigeria to harness its vast potential, especially in the area of solar power wherein a number of German companies are involved.

Nebo said Nigeria stand to benefit a lot most especially on renewable energy like solar in which Germany has a lot of investment, adding, German companies have been playing a vital role in investing in the Nigerian’s power sector.

The Minister revealed that the German Agency for International Corporation, GIZ, in conjunction with European Union, EU, is working tirelessly to provide solar power to seven Nigerian universities. He added that a pilot study in the University of Ibadan has proved to be successful.

The Minister said that Nigeria has over the years benefited immensely from relations with Germany, and planned to leverage on this mutually beneficial relationship.

He expressed optimism that these universities will create the required environment for studies and research exercises, adding that GIZ has continued to support the nation’s privatisation efforts.

The minister said that the proposed conference will pursue with vigour a lot of investments in renewable energy sources like wind, solar and biomass, and also discuss on issues around gas supply to thermal plants.

Earlier, the new German Ambassador said he was in the Ministry as part of his familiarisation visit. He said the sector is a very important component of the transformation efforts of this administration, which is underpinned by the privatisation of the power sector.

Zenner further revealed that the bi-National Conference between Nigeria and Germany will focus on energy and urged the Ministry to participate fully at the conference.

He also stated that Germany has reached an advanced stage on solar energy issues adding that Nigeria can tap from its experience to fast track the nation’s quest for access expansion.

The Ambassador said he would facilitate in bringing more German companies to invest in Nigeria’s power sector, but said that they required guarantees for safety of investments and ability to recoup return on their investments.

- Culled from: http://www.vanguardngr.com