Nigeria explores climate finance opportunities with US, Oando

By Terhemba Daka, Abuja

Nigeria has held talks with top US government representatives and Oando Clean Energy executives to explore new opportunities for climate finance and de-risking platforms.

The meeting, held on Wednesday, brought the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action (SPEC), Ajuri Ngelale, together with Mr. Demola Ogunbanjo, Executive Vice President of Oando Clean Energy, Ms. Mimi Alemayehou, a member of US President Joe Biden’s Advisory Council on African Relations, and Ms. Michelle Corzine, USAID Director for Economic Growth and Sustainability.

Discussions focused on accessing climate finance and de-risking platforms to bolster renewable energy technology manufacturing growth in Nigeria.

Determined to boost its renewable energy sector, SPEC also held a virtual call with the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Dr. Supo Olusi, to expand existing climate finance partnerships and establish new linkages for the growth of the localized green industry.

Additionally, Ngelale met with a technical team from the British High Commission, led by Climate Head, Mrs. Martine Sobey, to explore opportunities for deepened collaboration across multiple spheres of climate action.

He also assessed progress on adjustments with the Country Lead on NDC Partnerships, Mr. Huzi Mshelia, ensuring no delays in the pipeline.

“On Wednesday, I welcomed the Executive Vice President of Oando Clean Energy, Mr. Demola Ogunbanjo, member of US President Joe Biden’s Advisory Council on African Relations, Ms. Mimi Alemayehou, and USAID Director for Economic Growth & Sustainability, Ms. Michelle Corzine, to discuss new accession opportunities for climate finance and de-risking platforms to bolster renewable energy technology manufacturing growth in-country.

“I hosted a virtual call with the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Dr. Supo Olusi, and his team to discuss and profile existing climate finance partnerships and projects to expand existing partnerships while establishing new linkages for the growth of the localized green industry in Nigeria.

“On Wednesday evening, I held a productive discussion with a technical team from the British High Commission led by its Climate Head, Mrs. Martine Sobey, concerning new opportunities for deepened collaboration across multiple spheres of climate action.

“Later on Wednesday night, I compared notes with the Country Lead on NDC Partnerships, Mr. Huzi Mshelia, as we assessed current progress on adjustments being made to ensure that nothing in the pipeline is delayed,” Ngelale said.

According to the SPEC, the meetings demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to climate action and renewable energy growth, fostering international collaboration and partnerships.