From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for African Development (AUDA-NEPAD) has announced that it is working on projects that will provide clean energy (electrification) to about a million households across rural communities in Nigeria.
Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi, the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer, AUDA-NEPAD, told journalists at a press conference in Abuja, on Tuesday, that the efforts are part of the commitment of the African Union to combating climate change by promoting clean energy that is more friendly to the environment.
He said: “It’s not going to be a small task, but we are committed to achieving it, thus bringing affordable light to the communities. Our targets are the less privileged households in the rural communities across the country. The cost are huge, but I am optimistic that we will achieve the objectives because we have the support of the Federal Government and the African Union.”
He said that AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria is a key player in implementing the African Union’s vision of an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, tasked with executing priority programmes that align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, while addressing Nigeria’s unique challenges and opportunities.
He maintained that AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria stands resolute in its mission to catalyse good governance, empower citizens, and foster sustainable development.
He said: “Our transformation from NEPAD to AUDA-NEPAD signified not just a change in name but a deepened commitment to operational efficiency and measurable impact.
“We are focused on fostering good governance and transparency by strengthening democracy and promoting accountability through the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).
“We also engage in capacity building leveraging the NEPAD Academy to empower professionals and leaders with the skills to drive sustainable development; empowering farmers, youth, and women with programmes to uplift smallholder farmers, advance gender equality, and harness Africa’s demographic dividend.
“We also strengthen regional integration by promoting projects that unite Nigeria with the broader African community.”