Experts Call for Early Financier Involvement in Nigeria's Small Hydropower Projects

Energy experts, policymakers, and private sector stakeholders convened in Abuja to discuss challenges and reforms necessary for small river hydropower projects in Nigeria. The UK PACT-funded SHP Project Preparation Programme was officially launched, aiming to enhance Nigeria's transition to decentralized energy.

Key obstacles identified include weak project preparation, regulatory uncertainty, and prolonged approval timelines. Experts stressed the need for a clear pipeline of bankable projects and improved public-private partnership frameworks.

Recommendations included clustering projects to achieve economies of scale and early involvement of financiers in project design. The panellists underscored the importance of patient capital and policy consistency to facilitate long-term investments in renewable energy, highlighting the potential of small hydropower in Nigeria's clean energy transition.