The Government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has committed N20 billion to the expansion and rehabilitation of Nigeria’s national electricity grid.
Chief Representative of JICA, Mr Ishigame Keiji, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), which was obtained by The News Chronicle on Wednesday in Lagos.
Keiji said the 2.35 billion Japanese yen commitment would support the expansion of the Apapa Transmission Substation in Lagos, with the aim of strengthening critical transmission infrastructure and improving electricity supply.
He explained that the project would address the challenges posed by rising electricity demand and ageing facilities, which have continued to undermine reliable power supply in Lagos.
The project covers construction works, equipment procurement, engineering services, operational training and other implementation support required to achieve its objectives.
“Apapa Substation occupies a vital position within Nigeria’s transmission network.
“The rehabilitation and reinforcement undertaken through this project have enhanced transmission capacity. It has improved operational reliability, strengthened grid stability and reduced bottlenecks affecting power evacuation and distribution within Lagos and surrounding areas,” he said.
According to Keiji, Japan, through JICA, is also implementing another Official Development Assistance (ODA) project through a concessional loan to strengthen the transmission network across the Lagos-Ogun axis.
He added that Japan would provide technical assistance and policy advisers to the Ministry of Power as part of its broader support for Nigeria’s power sector.
“The Government of Japan, through JICA, is collaborating with the Ministry of Power to enhance stable and reliable power supply in Nigeria,” Keiji said.
The JICA representative noted that Nigeria’s huge market continued to attract Japanese companies and other private-sector investors.
“Nigeria has a big, huge market, and the private sector, including Japanese companies, is quite interested in investing in the country.
“What we are doing in Nigeria is assisting the country to improve its power sector.
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“We are providing technical cooperation, including policy advice and implementation regulations.
“So, our government support and private sector involvement will contribute to improving the power sector in Nigeria,” he said.
Keiji urged the Federal Government and private investors to adopt a balanced mix of on-grid, off-grid and mini-grid solutions to expand electricity access across the country.
He said JICA was collaborating with the World Bank to support the development of mini-grids, particularly in rural communities.
“So, this best mix needs to be considered in Nigeria. I think Nigeria needs to pursue the best mix of mini-grids, off-grid and on-grid solutions,” he said.
The JICA chief representative added that the agency was working with the Ministry of Power by deploying experts to provide policy recommendations and support institutional improvements.
He said the assistance was expected to contribute to building a more reliable, sustainable and efficient electricity sector in Nigeria.
