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Tag: EU

  • EU awards postgraduate scholarships to 104 Nigerians

    EU awards postgraduate scholarships to 104 Nigerians

    One hundred and four young Nigerians have been awarded the European Union (EU)-funded postgraduate scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic session.

    The scholarships, which are under the EU’s Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Plus programme, would enable the young Nigerians to learn a targeted set of interdisciplinary skills that set them up for careers as practitioners, researchers, or decision-makers in their chosen fields.

    Nigeria is the leading country in Africa for Erasmus participation, and among the global top five alongside South Asian countries and Mexico.

    Speaking during this year’s Erasmus Plus Pre-Departure Orientation event in Abuja, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, noted that the awardees went through a very competitive, global application process.

    He said, “Over 15,000 applications were made, and today, you stand among the selected few. You should be proud of yourselves, and so are we.

    “This year, so far, 104 Nigerian students are starting their Erasmus Masters in September, out of which 83 of them, almost 80 percent have secured fully funded Erasmus scholarships.”

    The envoy noted that since 2014, over 800 Nigerians have been awarded Erasmus scholarships, with over 600 in just the last four years.

    “This is a testament to the brilliance, determination, and potential of Nigerian youth as well as the strength of our partnership,” he said.

    Addressing the awardees on what they should expect in the next two years of the programme, he said, “Erasmus Plus is not your typical study programme. It is a unique, transformative journey. Over the next 12 to 24 months, you will live, study and grow across several countries, experiencing different cultures, educational systems, and ways of life. Most of you will be in EU Member States, but the programmes are getting more international.

    “Erasmus Mundus is open to universities worldwide, and some of you will be starting in Türkiye or the UK, while others of you will spend a later part at other countries further afield. There is also a great mix of universities involved – from classic academic-focused universities to technical universities or polytechnics with a more vocational orientation.

    “At the end of your studies, you will not only hold an internationally recognised master’s degree from some of the world’s top universities, but you will also carry with you a wealth of global experiences, lifelong friendships and a broader perspective on the world.”

    Highlighting the impact of education in empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and shaping nations, the envoy added: “This is why the European Union continues to invest in education in Nigeria, not just through Erasmus, but also through initiatives supporting basic education, girls’ education, and educational access in areas affected by insecurity, particularly in the North-West.

    “It also reflects our commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria, a country of immense potential, vibrant talents, and bright young leaders like all of you here today.”

    Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the Erasmus scholarship programme as far more than an academic opportunity.

    He said, “It is a call to serve as Ambassadors of knowledge, culture, and cooperation.”

    Olawande, who was represented by Technical Adviser to the Minister of Youth Development, Ebiho Agun, commended the EU for its continued investment in human capital and for recognising that young people are the drivers of change, innovation, and sustainable development.

    The minister said, “You are about to embark on a journey that will equip you with world-class education, expose you to diverse perspectives, and broaden your vision of what is possible, not only for yourselves, but for our nation.

    “As you travel to different parts of Europe, remember that you carry with you the spirit of Nigeria, its energy, resilience, and hope. Your presence will serve as a bridge between continents, connecting cultures and deepening mutual understanding between Nigeria and the European Union.”

    Stephen Agboola, a recipient of the Erasmus Masters in Research and Innovation in Higher Education, said: “This is a broader opportunity for me to practically engage in the intricate dynamics of higher education because the ways of education is changing in the global stage, and I see it as a unique opportunity to come on board to acquire knowledge, particularly in the area of innovation and technology.

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    “This programme will give me the opportunity to leverage, key in, and learn. I see it as the next step for me in my career. With this, I’m able to rethink innovation, especially in Nigeria. I thank the European Union for the scholarship. I look forward to a great experience.”

    Another awardee, Louisa Asor, expressed excitement about the opportunity to study cybersecurity in France through the programme.

    She said, “This means a lot to me, especially since cybersecurity is a field I am very passionate about. This opportunity will help me achieve my goals and will help me to come out of my shell and be in a space that I am not used to; to immerse myself in a different culture, to be open-minded, and to meet people from everywhere walks of life. Thank you, European Union.”

    The event also featured the Study in Europe Fair, where future applicants explored the many educational opportunities available across the 27 EU Member States.

  • EU to offer tech aid to Africa, others

    EU to offer tech aid to Africa, others

    The Vice President of European Commission for Technological Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen has disclosed that the European Commission will deploy EU technology business offers to partner countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia.

    She said that this is being done because no country or region can lead the technology revolution alone, as partners are needed if digital innovations are to work.

    Virkkunen disclosed this during a high-level session, “Digital Public Goods and Global Digital Cooperation” at the ongoing 2025 Internet Governance Forum (IGF) held in Lillestrøm, Norway.

    She said that the EU technology business offer would be done by combining European Union public and private industries through its global gateway, adding that moves are being made to establish new partnerships and foster collaboration so the countries can connect through new digital partnership networks.

    “The aim is to support the digital transition of partner countries, incorporate components such as AI factories, investment in secured and trusted communication,  digital public infrastructure and cybersecurity.”

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    “This offer will include modular reusable building blocks, concrete digital public goods tailored to local needs and anchored in open standards and interoperability. The EU is ready to work with partners to make the future internet a better place for everyone, including our children”, she said.

    Speaking of artificial intelligence, she advocated the need for AI not to be left in the hands of a few individuals or be reduced to a test of supremacy among advanced artificial intelligence powers.

    “Everyone should have access to artificial intelligence which is a critical technology. The EU is committed to building a rules-based global digital order in rules with our fundamental values.

    The Vice President further urged nations, organisations and individuals to take advantage of artificial intelligence governance as it is a movement that will shape and open inclusive and trusted digital governance.

    Speaking in the same vein, Norway’s Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance, Karianne Tung, noted the need for governments and stakeholders to better use technological resources more efficiently and effectively.

    She stressed the need for countries to cooperate and help each other and share technology both at the national and international levels.

  • EU pledges support to Nigeria’s energy, agric, other sectors

    EU pledges support to Nigeria’s energy, agric, other sectors

    The European Union (EU) has pledged support to Nigeria’s critical sectors – energy, agriculture, education, health, and digital, to bring sustainable development to the people through its Global Gateway Strategy.

    EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, stated that while development and humanitarian assistance play critical roles in developmental initiatives, they are not sufficient to ensure sustainable development, especially to achieve the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    According to him, this is why the EU is leveraging private investments and private resources through its Global Gateway Strategy, to ensure that Nigeria was supported to bring sustainable development to the people, noting that the EU is the first provider of official development aid globally.

    He said: “More or less, 42 percent of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) comes from the EU and its Member States.”

    Mignot, who disclosed this during the EU delegation’s visit to Skyline University, Kano State, and engagement with students and staff of the institution, including students from other Kano universities, also called for cooperation between the EU, Nigeria, and Africa.

    He noted that only through cooperation and shared interests and values, especially respect for individual rights and human rights, respect for the rule of law, civil liberties, and democracy, will the continent, particularly Nigeria, achieve sustainable development in all its sectors.

    He also urged citizens of the country, particularly young people, to shun unverified information by fact-checking to determine their authenticity.

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    He said: “It is very important to avoid and detect disinformation; fact-check to debunk fake news. It is a service to you and your community. You should all feel responsible, not only for not spreading fake news, but to help debunk them.

    “We promote a society model that is respectful of culture and religious differences, is tolerant, based on civil liberties, and social inclusion. This is why some of our rivals try to undermine us, propagating lies and disinformation about what we are and what we stand for, particularly in West Africa.

    “Our Union is based first in values, respect for individual rights and human rights, respect for the rule of law, civil liberties, and democracy. It is based on institutions which are democratically elected. It is based on the rights of citizens, especially the rights of free movement of people, goods and services, and capital. It is based on laws and legislation adopted by all institutions.

    “We want to extend to the rest of the world the same recipe that has made us successful. It is the recipe of cooperation, equal rules for all, respect for all nations’ rights and legitimate interests, respect for the rights of individuals, and shared prosperity with strong innovation capacities.”

    Assuring Nigeria of the EU’s continued and reliable partnership for sustainable development, he said: “What we want is not a relationship based on donor-beneficiary relation; we want a relationship based on partnership and mutual interests and based on investments in particular. This is because, if you look at the Official Development Assistance (ODA) by itself, it will not be sufficient to reach the SDGs which we all adopted in 2015 as shared common goals of the whole international community.”

    Registrar, Skyline University, Ahmed Abdullahi, while describing the visit of the EU delegation to the university as timely and momentous, emphasised the importance of dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding in a constantly evolving global landscape.

    He said: “The lecture series titled ‘The European Union, a reliable partner of Nigeria and the world,’ is timely and momentous. This occasion is a testament to the enduring and fruitful partnership between the European Union and our academic community, reinforcing the importance of dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding in a constantly evolving global landscape.

    “Conversations here encourage meaningful discussions that not only highlight contemporary challenges, but also extend innovative solutions for world peace, prosperity, and development.

    “The presence of the European Union Ambassador and other distinguished guests on our campus today underscores the significance of global cooperation and shared commitment to strengthen connections.”

  • EU advocates empowerment of women, girls

    EU advocates empowerment of women, girls

    The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot has said that the secret to prosperity for any nation depends on its capacity to empower women and girls.

    The envoy stated that every nation that empowers its women and girls in their political, social, and economic life, and protect them from abuses and violence, has seen significant progress towards achieving sustainable development.

    Amb. Mignot stated this during the EU Delegation’s visit to Skyline University in Kano State.

    He called for more cooperation between the EU, Nigeria, and Africa, saying only through cooperation and shared interests and values will the country achieve sustainable development in its key sectors, including energy, agriculture, education, health, and digital.

    Mignot said: “At the end of the day, the future of Nigeria lies in the hands of Nigerians, not in the international community. You, as future professionals, can make a difference. For this, education is key. It is an investment in the nation’s future.

    “For all the young women and men, one of the secrets of the prosperity of a nation is its capacity to empower women and girls. If you look at the most prosperous nations in the world, particularly in Europe, these are nations which have been able to do that, to empower women and girls, and to give them a say in political life, in socioeconomic life, and to protect them from abuse and violence.

    “The most efficient group is not the group composed of only men or only women, but a group composed of both men and women. That is what our society should aim at, and Nigeria is still lagging behind on this. It is very important to make progress in this regard. It is not about dropping traditional and religious values but about giving women and girls their full place in this context.”

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    Speaking about the EU development initiatives in the state, especially in the broader regions of the Northwest and Northeast, Amb. Mignot pointed out that while the regions are facing specific challenges of insecurity and poverty, the EU sees their great potential.

    He added: “This city of Kano, in particular, is a great development platform for not only Northern Nigeria but the Sahel region as a whole. Kano is really a place to be when it comes to West Africa. It is a very important state, beyond the borders of Nigeria. We want to increase our presence and support to the Northwest and the Northeast.

    “We are launching packages of new partnership projects in the Northwest and Northeast, around €300 million, also with funds from our Member States, such as Germany, on education, health, deradicalisation of foreign fighters, sustainable energy, opportunities for farmers in agricultural value chains.”

    He assured the Kano State Government and the entire Northwest and Northeast regions of the EU’s continued and reliable partnership for sustainable development. 

    “What we want is not a relationship based on donor-beneficiary relation; we want a relationship based on partnership and mutual interests, and based on investments in particular,” he said.

    The Registrar, Skyline University, Ahmed Mohammed Abdullahi, emphasised the importance of dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding in a constantly evolving global landscape.

    Assuring the EU of the cooperation of Skyline University and the academic community in the state, he said, “This occasion is a testament to the enduring and fruitful partnership between the European Union and our academic community, reinforcing the importance of dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding in a constantly evolving global landscape.

    “The presence of the European Union Ambassador and other distinguished guests on our campus today underscores the significance of global cooperation and shared commitment to strengthen connections.”

    A highlight of the Delegation’s visit to the university was the lecture by Amb. Mignot, engaging the students and staff of the university and other universities in the state on the work of the EU in Nigeria and the broader West Africa region. 

    The session created an opportunity for students and staff to interact with the EU Delegation, ask questions, get feedback, and hear about the sundry programmes of the EU in Nigeria, including post-graduate scholarship opportunities in Europe like the Erasmus+ scholarships and others.

  • EU pledges support to dairy farmers for improved productivity, storage capacity

    EU pledges support to dairy farmers for improved productivity, storage capacity

    The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to support local dairy farmers to address water shortage, the affordability of vaccines and medicines, and access to quality feed for cows.

    The organisation said these key challenges affect both the quality and quantity of milk production. 

    Acknowledging the broader issues facing the dairy sector, the EU emphasised its plans to assist farmers in enhancing their storage capacity and improving critical production inputs such as feed and water. 

    The organisation said that these efforts are targeted at boosting the quality of dairy products, increase productivity, and ultimately raise farmer’s income.

    The organisation said this after its team visited Kaduna-based Naturell Dairy, a member of EuroCham Nigeria contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s dairy sector.

    The EU said the visit provided an opportunity for its team to witness first-hand the successes and challenges of dairy farming and processing in Nigeria. 

    Team Leader for Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Inga Stefanowicz explained that the visit was in the context of the rolling out of new EU support to agriculture in Nigeria, targeting the dairy sector, amongst others, with focus on incomes, jobs, and Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprise (MSME) growth. 

    Stefanowicz said the goal is to improve the entire value chain from milk production and collection to transportation, processing, and storage ensuring greater efficiency and productivity. 

    Speaking to the plant employees and farmers she explained, “We are a donor organisation, providing the funding for many initiatives in Nigeria. We particularly recognise the importance and potential of agriculture in creating economic growth and jobs, but we also recognise the many challenges it faces. That’s why we want to support dairy producers, farmers who rear milk cows and others in the dairy value chain to the benefit of everyone, increasing incomes, opportunities and health of the population.

    “We’re here to assess what’s needed to help farmers raise both the quantity and quality of their milk production. We’re meeting with farmers, companies, and stakeholders in the value chain to better understand how to tailor our support. For example, feed quality directly impacts milk output, so it’s vital to address these concerns.”

    She also noted that increased milk supply to processors like Naturell Dairy would not only boost production but also expand local access to dairy products, promote business growth, and create new income streams for rural communities.

    Sales Manager at Naturell Dairy, Christian Idakwoji highlighted the company’s role in sourcing milk directly from local farmers and supporting them through training and livelihood opportunities. 

    “We collect milk organically from farmers’ home grown cows, providing them with a sustainable income. However, we face challenges in transporting the milk without spoilage due to a lack of cold storage infrastructure such as cooling vans and vehicles,” he said.

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    He added that while Naturell Dairy had established roadside cooling points and begun training farmers in proper milk handling, further support was needed in training for aggregators, and logistics to reduce spoilage and enhance efficiency.

    Local dairy farmer, Abubakar Muhammed, expressed hope in the EU’s intervention, pointing to water scarcity, high vaccine costs, and inadequate feed as major hurdles. 

    “We often fetch water from unhygienic streams. We urgently need access to clean water, quality feed, and affordable medication to improve our cows’ health, productivity, and our overall income,” he said.

    An aggregator with Naturell Dairy, Stephen Joshua said, “We’re pleased that the EU is stepping in to support dairy farmers. Most farmers here own about 40 cows each, but milk yields vary based on the quality of feed. On average, each cow produces only 2 litres daily. With EU support, we expect to see a reduction in milk spoilage and a significant boost in productivity.”

  • Gambling Without the Guesswork: Top EU Countries for Clear and Fair Online Casino Rules

    Gambling Without the Guesswork: Top EU Countries for Clear and Fair Online Casino Rules

    With so much betting happening online, players should try out different games instead of sticking to just one, as luck alone is not enough.

    Every player does not easily understand all the special terminology found in casinos. Knowing all the terms and rules should come first for all members of the site. Several European countries pass additional guidelines to ensure people have an easy and safe way to gamble.

    While all parts of the EU set their own gambling rules, you can find places in most countries that are safe for casino gambling.

    Where Gambling Rules Make Sense

    Various steps have been used by the EU to come up with the rules we see in action today. In some industries, the government has more say in what happens, but in other cases, it lets the companies make their own decisions.

    Interestingly, Noxwin.com compared the best telegram casinosin several of these jurisdictions, revealing how regulatory clarity directly influences player satisfaction and trust.

    People were able to keep up with what was happening more easily because the study looked mainly at news on Telegram. Such rules and ways of dealing with people help casinos handle most of the problems that can come up when people gamble at the casino.

    Standout Examples: Denmark, Malta, Sweden

    Take Denmark, for example. Spillemyndigheden ensures the rules are followed, trains players on responsible gambling, shares information on how to play safely, and can check a casino’s license at once.

    Anyone playing at a gambling site should look to see if it is run properly, make sure they know what kind of protection they have, and find out where they can get help if something goes wrong. While things like this seem simple in theory, not every jurisdiction can handle them the same way.

    Due to its reputation as the online gambling capital in Europe, Malta is seen as easy-going and responsible. Among other things, the MGA developed some of the earliest guidelines for fair gaming and how to combat fraud.

    A casino with a Maltese license most often demonstrates the presence of a proper legal framework for its work. Little things can always be improved, but you can still build a product that is reliable.

    Not long ago, Sweden and the Netherlands made changes to their online gambling rules to ensure greater safety for gamblers. For example, Sweden’s Spelinspektionen set up Spelpaus to help people block all betting on licensed sites at the same instant. Because the approach is so easy to understand, it helps more people trust it and manage problems related to gambling.

    Balancing Regulation and Market Freedom

    There are times when problems arise while building software. Although progress has been made, several concerns are still bothering people. There are people who think that since gambling laws in Sweden are strict, some individuals may decide to visit gambling sites in other countries.

    Since the Netherlands is now giving out more licenses. ensuring everyone gets a fair selection is now a challenge. A change in mood can make daily activities more difficult for a person. The adoption of tougher hard and fast rules might encourage companies to collaborate less, instead starting to compete more strongly.

    If you focus on the way the asterisks join the different sections, it might become clear who is leading in each section. Make sure to read the bonus rules ahead of time to avoid any surprises.

    When bonuses are given out according to a set rule, it becomes easier for the company to be managed. If you pay attention to small points, it will be easier to learn a language.

    In Closing

    Gambling means putting your money on a thing and hoping that luck will be on your side to see how things go. No one should change a law because things happen to go their way. they should make changes intentionally. Many countries in Europe have made rules to make sure online casinos are safer and fair for people who play on them. It is understood that, in Nordic countries, if your main goal is helping people learn or making things easy for all, you usually do pretty well. We work on the idea that everyone deserves to be treated the same way.

    Thus, they start to feel more comfortable in their own skin. Because people trust and respect each other in the industries, companies are usually more willing to team up with each other. In fact, simple rules help everyone have a good time, no matter who comes out on top or at the bottom.

  • EU’s €258m humanitarian support for West Africa, others

    EU’s €258m humanitarian support for West Africa, others

    The European Union has announced €258 million in humanitarian support for the Greater Horn of Africa, West and Central Africa.

    This will bring the total EU humanitarian response in Africa to €750 million in 2025.

    The latest donation is to address their urgent humanitarian needs.

    According to the breakdown, €107.5 million for the Greater Horn of Africa will be used to support the most vulnerable people in the region, impacted by conflict and natural hazards, facing forced displacement, food and nutrition insecurity, and poor access to basic services.

    Close to 70 million people in the Greater Horn of Africa urgently need humanitarian aid, constituting over a fifth of people in need worldwide. The primary causes of humanitarian needs remain conflicts and natural hazards.

    The conflict in Sudan constitutes a major driver of humanitarian needs both within the country and in the region.

    In West and Central Africa, €150.6 million will support the humanitarian response in the countries directly affected by ongoing insecurity and conflict, including West Africa’s coastal countries already impacted by the spill-over from the crisis in Central Sahel. West and Central Africa remains a region plagued by major complex and mostly protracted humanitarian crises, where Central Sahel and the Lake Chad area constitute the epicentre of conflicts.

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    Funding will be used for food and livelihoods assistance, nutrition, healthcare, water, sanitation and hygiene and education amongst others.

    Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management and Equality, Hadja Lahbib, said: “Across Africa, complex challenges, including security threats, political instability and socio-economic disparities are fuelling humanitarian crises. These crises displace entire communities and cause widespread food insecurity. The escalating effects of climate change are also intensifying vulnerabilities.

    “The humanitarian and security situation is deeply concerning, as humanitarian partners face obstacles in reaching those in need. As humanitarian needs grow and resources become more limited, bridging this gap is becoming ever more urgent. The EU remains a reliable partner providing emergency assistance to Africa’s most vulnerable populations.”

  • Zelensky arrives at ‘watershed’ EU summit on Ukraine aid

    Zelensky arrives at ‘watershed’ EU summit on Ukraine aid

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday arrived at a meeting of EU leaders in Brussels focused on increasing aid for Ukraine and European defence capacities.

    “During all this period and last week, you stayed with us.

    “We are very thankful that we are not alone. These are not just words. We feel it,’’ said Zelensky.

    Zelensky addressed journalists together with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, who will chair the meeting.

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    “This is a watershed moment for Europe. Europe faces a clear and present danger, and therefore Europe has to be able to protect itself, to defend itself.

    “As we have to put Ukraine in a position to protect itself and to push for a lasting and just peace,’’ said von der Leyen.

    (dpa/NAN)

  • EU builds capacity of young Nigerians in governance, politics

    EU builds capacity of young Nigerians in governance, politics

    The European Union (EU) has built the capacity of young people in politics and governance in the country. 

    Through the Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme, the EU funds the Yiaga Africa’s Constituency Office Internship Programme.

    The organisation said the programme was part of its contribution towards complementing the efforts of the Federal Government to improve and strengthen democracy across the country.

    The three-month programme, which started in December 2024, and is expected to end in February, provides an excellent opportunity for young individuals committed to democratic development and eager to deepen their understanding of legislative processes and effective constituency engagement, to gain hands-on experience in the operations of constituency offices and legislature-constituent relations.

    It noted that by placing these interns in the constituency offices of lawmakers, the programme not only offers them the chance to understand the legislative process, but provides an opportunity for them to engage with lawmakers, contribute meaningfully to policy discussions, and be part of constituency engagement.

    Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Zissimos Vergos, said the EU believes that a thriving democracy is built on responsible leadership and active citizens engagement. 

    Vergos said: “Young people, therefore, play very significant roles in developing Nigeria’s democracy by actively participating in the electoral and governance processes, and contributing to guidelines, policies, and frameworks that ensure free, fair, credible, and transparent elections.

    “Hence, it is important to provide platforms for these young and vibrant minds to actively engage and be a part of the country’s governance process. The time for making excuses is over. The moment people start making excuses not to act ethically, democratic institutions are undermined. Rather than criticising democracy, we must focus on ethical decisions that shape its practice.”

    Highlighting the impact of the programme in strengthening the relationship between lawmakers and their constituencies, Yiaga Africa’s Programme Manager, Yetunde Bakarei, said: “The Constituency Office Internship Programme encourages youth participation in the democratic process, ensuring that young people are involved in shaping policies that affect them.

    “We would like to say thank you to the EU for the support that we receive that enables us to do the work that we do, which allows us to deploy young people to constituency offices. This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the EU and the young people who continue to apply and take advantage of opportunities like this.”

    One of the interns, Olaiya Oluwadamilola said, “This internship has not only enhanced my communication skills and boosted my confidence, but it has also inspired me to give back to my community and pursue a career in politics.”

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    Another intern, Salihu Gode commended the EU’s vision for inclusive governance and harped on the importance of mentorship.

    According to her, this is essential for her career development and political ambition. 

    “With the skills and knowledge I’ve acquired, I’m confident that I can drive meaningful change in my community and contribute to Nigeria’s democratic growth,” she said. 

    Gode also expressed her commitment to empowering women and promoting female participation in politics—an area the EU actively supports.

  • EU eyes 2mw from hydropower in Plateau

    EU eyes 2mw from hydropower in Plateau

    The European Union (EU) has said it is exploring the potential for small hydropower generation in partnership with Plateau state government.

    Head of Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Inga Stefanowicz said this during the delegation’s visit to the state to assess the Assop falls which is being speculated to have the potential to generate about two megawatts of electricity.

    She said the EU is in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Power in driving the diversification of electricity generation to other renewable energy sources like small hydro power to provide clean, safe, affordable, and renewable energy sources to the people of Plateau state to power agro processing activities, productive use of energy and boosting the economy of the state.

    According to her, the EU is working with the Plateau state government and other stakeholders to evaluate the technical, financial, and environmental feasibility of the small hydropower site.

    She said: “Plateau State, with its rich agricultural potential, could benefit greatly from reliable energy, boosting crop production and agro-processing.”

    Managing Director of the Plateau State Energy Corporation, Ponzing Gamde, stated that the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the implementer of the project on behalf of the European Union, is conducting a feasibility study to determine the potential capacity of the hydropower project.

    He said: “UNIDO is currently conducting a feasibility study here. They have done their preliminary data collection and will now come up with a design to know the potential capacity that can be generated from here.

    “With this power, there will also be an improvement of cultural activities. The power will ensure activities don’t stop at certain points.”

    A member of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Owen Dagogot expressed full support for the project.

    Dagogot said: “This place is going to be utilized
    to its full potential. It is an advantage because you already have a solid ground. Foundations are openly on firm ground.”

    Director of Technical Services at the Plateau State Energy Corporation, Sam Gyang Yakubu, noted that while the dam construction typically takes time, the timeline for this project could be as short as two to three years.

    “Evacuation is not going to be a challenge here, based on the way we have set up the whole layout,” he said.

    A representative of the Federal Ministry of Power, Dina Temitope, said: “For us at the ministry, we’ve had this vision 30:30, which is generating 30 gigawatts of electricity by 2030, with 30 percent of our energy needs coming from renewable sources.”

    Programme Manager, Energy and Circular Economy, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Godfrey Ogbemudia, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to sustainability.

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    He said: “We want to be sure that EU taxpayers’ money is fully utilised. It’s not a donation. You could transport all the power from here to any other agricultural hub where pre-processing is happening within the state”

    Head of GIZ’s Sustainability Energy Access component, Eckhard Heine, said: “We are in dialogue with the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), to disseminate the information they have, so we can engage the state level effectively.”

    Technical Adviser at GIZ, Alexander Akolo, noted that the Governor of Plateau state, Caleb Mutfwang, recently passed the State Electricity Law, which contains areas for improvement.

    Akolo stated: “We can support reviewing it (the Law) because of the support in developing other instruments like mini-grid policy for the state.”