The Netherlands government has inaugurated an advisory board for the country’s solar marketplace to drive sustainable energy solutions in Nigeria.
Speaking at the inauguration of the board in Lagos, Geoffrey van Leeuwen, Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, said the event represents a significant milestone in demonstrating their continued commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation in the renewable energy sector.
Members of the advisory board include Yusuf Umar – Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, Edwin van Veenhuizeen – Invest International, Ayo Ademilua – Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria, Frank Hoogers – Independent Energy, Farouk Bello – Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, Michael Ivenso – National Council on Climate Change, Emeka Oragunye – Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), Olabanjo Alimi – Sterling Bank and Femi Adeyemo – Arnergy
Leeuwen said members of the advisory board are top minds who are collaborating to the adoption of solar technologies, foster innovation, and create tangible impact in Nigeria’s energy landscape
“This inauguration of the solar marketplace advisory board marks a significant moment in our shared journey towards scaling renewable energy opportunities in Nigeria,” Leeuwen said.
The Netherlands launched Nigeria’s solar marketplace in November 2023 to promote renewable energy adoption and achieving sustainable trade and development in the country.
The markeplace is a platform to provide resources and help sellers connect with buyers to facilitate trade, investment in the Nigerian solar sector.
Founder of Arnergy and member of the avisory board Femi Adebayo noted that Nigerian businesses are challenged on finding energy solutions as reliance on diesel is unsustainable.
Program lead of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority and member of the board Yusuf Umar said the solar marketplace initiative will serve as a convergence point to drive and galvanize support for stakeholders in the renewable energy space.
