85% of Nigeria’s hydropower potential untapped – Association
The Nigeria Hydropower Professionals Association, says about 85 per cent of Nigeria’s hydropower potential has remain untapped, calling for more investment in the sector.
Mr Imo Ekpo, the President of the association, said this when he led members of the association on a courtesy visit to the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said that the development had negatively affected the country’s quest to address urgent issues such as electricity generation, water management, and climate change mitigation.
Ekpo underscored the connection between the Association’s mission to promote sustainable hydropower and Federal Government’s agenda.
He suggested a partnership between the two entities to unleash the untapped potential, to usher in a new era of economic growth and environmental stewardship.
“Initiatives like the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project (SPIN), spearheaded by the World Bank and various agencies, will modernise existing systems to harness Nigeria’s vast hydropower resources,” he said.
Ekpo said that the association would continue to amplify the benefits of the hydropower industry, like enhanced irrigation, water supply, and economic development to attract the needed investment.
This, he said would be through advocacy, knowledge sharing, and strategic partnerships.
Responding, Utsev, said that the development of hydropower was critical to addressing Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges and contributing to its socioeconomic development.
He stressed the importance of leveraging the expertise of hydropower professionals to improve power provision for farmers, drive irrigation potentials, and enhance job creation and food security nationwide.
He emphasised the significance of the SPIN project, a collaborative effort between the World Bank and the Federal Government, which contains hydropower components beneficial to stakeholders in the sector.
Dr Bello Goronyo, the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, applauded the professionals for their expertise in managing hydropower structures.
He stressed the importance of capacity building and mentoring, noting that energy security was essential for societal development.
Alhaji Shehu Shinkafi, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, said that strengthening collaboration with hydropower professionals was crucial.
He also highlighted the benefits of efficient hydropower plants to include providing relief to surrounding communities and alleviating the burden on the National Grid.
