The Netherlands government held an inauguration ceremony at the Energy Office, Ilupeju, Lagos. Where it initiated an advisory board aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s shift towards cleaner energy, with a focus on advancing sustainable solutions within the solar marketplace.
The board members are Edwin van Veenhuizeen from Invest International, Farouk Bello, who works as a manager at the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet and Ayo Ademilua, who serves as the president of the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria.
Others include Emeka Oragunye affiliated with Sustainable Energy for All, Michael Ivenso representing the National Council on Climate Change, and Olabanjo Alimi from Sterling Bank.
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The board would play a key role in guiding the strategic direction and implementation of the solar marketplace initiative.
The Solar Marketplace initiative according to a statement, was a key component of the Dutch Government’s commitment to promoting renewable energy adoption and achieving sustainable trade and development in Nigeria. It is aimed to serve as a trusted avenue, for connecting and facilitating business, trade and investment in the Nigerian solar sector. The statement explained.
The official inauguration of the Solar Marketplace Advisory Board, The Consulate of the Netherlands said is a significant step, in its ongoing efforts to promote sustainable energy solutions in Nigeria.
The Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Geoffrey van Leeuwen, while speaking at the inauguration, said: “This inauguration of the Solar Marketplace Advisory Board marks a significant moment in our shared journey towards scaling renewable energy opportunities in Nigeria.”
“By bringing together top minds from the renewable energy sector in Nigeria, we aim to accelerate the adoption of solar technologies, foster innovation, and create a tangible impact on Nigeria’s energy landscape.”
On his part, Yusuf Umar, the Programme Lead of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority renewable energy platform and a member of the new advisory board expressed concern about the fragmentation in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Femi Adeyemo, the founder of Arnergy and a member of the advisory board in his remark, mentioned the need for Nigerian businesses to shift away from diesel, citing the challenges associated with other energy sources. Citing the urgent need to promote investments in renewable energy to ensure sustainable operations.
