Executive member leads international discussions on renewable energy, foreign investment and community development

LONDON, 8 October 2026 — Nigeria’s electricity challenges present a significant opportunity for international investors to support economic growth, create jobs and expand access to reliable power.

This was the focus of a strategic meeting in London, where decarbonisation consultants and international investment interests met with Hon. Henry Oriabure, Governing Council Member representing Niger Delta Communities at HYPREP Niger Delta Communities and National Coordinator/Director-General of YES4APC, to explore renewable energy investment opportunities in Nigeria.

The discussions centred on the proposed 774 Light4Nigeria Community Solar Projects, designed to expand clean, affordable electricity across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.

Beyond electricity generation, solar energy and decarbonisation could support manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, education and small businesses while reducing dependence on costly diesel-powered generators.

Nigeria’s official energy investment information identifies substantial solar potential, while the country’s Energy Transition Plan highlights the need for significant private and international financing. Existing mini-grid programmes have also demonstrated how renewable energy investment can expand electricity access and create local jobs.

For state governments, community solar projects could help power hospitals, schools, markets, irrigation systems and industrial clusters, attract businesses and strengthen local economic development.

International investors express interest

During the London meeting, Zhimin Nie expressed willingness to use her professional network in China to engage potential investors interested in solar projects exceeding 100 megawatts across Nigeria.

She highlighted the need for suitable land, credible electricity off-takers, security and an investor-friendly regulatory environment, warning that unnecessary bureaucracy and delays could discourage investment.

Charles Pipe presented an eight-step roadmap for planning, financing and delivering the proposed projects. Mark Hewitt, Arek Morczewski and Zhimin Nie endorsed the importance of a structured approach to developing commercially viable and sustainable projects.

Building partnerships for delivery

Oriabure said he would engage the HYPREP Chairman and Environment Minister Balarabe Abbas Lawal at the next HYPREP Governing Council meeting to explore institutional collaboration and alignment with environmental and community development priorities.

He also disclosed engagement with a British company with the capacity to access grant funding and blended finance for solar projects.

The discussions further emphasised Nigerian workforce training, technical skills development, employment and technology transfer as essential elements of sustainable implementation presented by Mentoring Commandant Alistair, of NIDMECORP.

The meeting provides an opportunity for the participating team to position itself as a bridge connecting international investors, technical specialists, government stakeholders and Nigerian communities.

The next priority is to develop bankable proposals, clarify project responsibilities, establish financing arrangements and identify suitable pilot locations.

While the proposed initiative remains to be developed and financed, its ambition is clear: to translate Nigeria’s renewable energy potential into practical infrastructure, new business opportunities and measurable community benefits.

The ultimate measure of success will be investment secured, projects delivered and reliable electricity reaching the people and businesses that need it most.

Henry Oriabure the National Coordinator/DG YES4APC and executive members are working on ground in Nigeria and diaspora to support President Tinubu re-election 2027.