*Germany frowns at nation’s gas flaring record Oscarline Onwuemenyi
04 December 2014, Sweetcrude, Abuja – The Federal government on Wednesday disclosed that the German Development Bank, KFW, had earmarked £200 million (USD) support in the form of Green Credit Line for the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in the country.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Power made available to journalists in Abuja, the leader of the German delegation, Renate Von Boddien, who made the disclosure at the Bi-national Commission’s meeting on energy between both countries in Abuja, also announced the provision of another facility worth 5 million Euros, which was set aside for technical assistance to Nigeria’s power sector through the same KFW.
Von Boddien explained that with its endowed capacity, the German agency was willing and able to provide the required experience that would be useful to Nigerians in developing her capacities in renewable energy projects.
While pledging Germany’s continued support to Nigeria’s power sector in various energy related initiatives, Boddien stated that the only social issue in Nigeria that is competing for Germany’s attention with the power sector of Nigeria is polio eradication.
She observed that with the commitment so far exhibited by Nigeria, the country was on track with its plan to provide electricity to the country’s huge population, adding that Germany had been working with Nigeria on a number of energy related projects to conclude that.
On his own part, the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, who was represented at the meeting by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Godknows Igali to have stated that, “The co-operation between Nigeria and Germany is a good example of how we can mutually work together for the benefit of our people.”
Nebo commended the Germans for the various projects they had undertaken in Nigeria, as well as their support for the Azura project which has reached an advanced stage for fund draw down.
He also noted that Germany had approved the one megawatt (MW) renewable electricity project for the University of Ibadan after the last Bi-national meeting in Berlin, adding that that will also create opportunities for research for better renewable sources of power against the nuisance created by diesel run generators.
The success of this project, he said would be a template upon which others would be replicated in universities across the country.
The minister also commended the Germans for their intervention in rural development programmes through the provision and access to power for farmers in the rural areas to undertake irrigation activities.
She also disclosed that another facility worth €5 million (Euros) had been set aside for technical assistance through the KFW, adding that the German agency is endowed with required experience that would be useful to Nigerians in developing their capacities in renewable energy projects.
She expressed satisfaction with the commitment so far exhibited by Nigerian officials, just as she said that German had been working with Nigerians on a number of energy related projects. “Nigeria is on track with its vision of providing more of its nationals with electricity,” she added.
Boddien promised that Germany would continue to support the various energy related initiatives, stressing, that as far as her country is concerned it is only issues pertaining to Polio Eradication Programme that is sharing equal attention with the energy sector.
Earlier, the Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, represented by the Permanent Secretary (Power), Amb. Godknows Igali said that the co-operation between Nigeria and Germany is a “good example of how we can mutually work together for the benefit of our people.”
He commended the Germans for the various projects undertaken in Nigeria, as well as their support for the Azura project which had reached an advanced stage for fund draw down.
Also, he stated that after the last Bi-national meeting in Berlin, the Germans have approved the 1MW renewable electricity project for the University of Ibadan. This, he said, would also create opportunities for research, as he observed that Nigerians are tired of the nuisance created by diesel generators.
The success of this project, he said will be a template upon which, same will be replicated in Universities across the six geo-political zones.
On gas flaring, which apparently is a sore issue for the Germans, the Minister assured that a comprehensive Gas master plan will soon address their concerns adding that Nigeria will appreciate if the Germans are ready to key-in into the nation’s Gas plan.
