Nigeria’s Project Manager is the first to be recognized for his commitment.
Each month, the Africa Minigrids Program (AMP) will spotlight an individual from one of the participating countries who has been working tirelessly to advance the initiative at the regional or national level.
We sat down with the inaugural Champion of the Month, Nasir Bukar Ibrahim, who works with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA Nigeria) to implement AMP Nigeria, which kicked off the first-round of countries in October, 2022.
Q: What’s your story—how did you end up working in the clean energy industry?
A: I started my journey by obtaining an undergraduate degree in Environmental Policy and Economics, after which I attended the 22nd COP while interning at the Nigerian Ministry of Environment. This ignited my interest in clean energy and led me to a project management role on a hydro power project and subsequently a solar power-battery project. To further my knowledge in the industry, I obtained a Master’s degree in Environmental Change and Management, after which I applied the knowledge I gained in a Technical Advisory role to the MD/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria.
Q: Briefly describe your role and involvement with AMP so far.
A: As the Project Manager of AMP Nigeria, I have been responsible for the overall management of the project, including mobilization of all project inputs, and supervision of project staff, consultants and subcontractors. I have planned the overall activities of the project and monitored progress against the approved work plan. I have also performed a liaison role with the government, UNDP, Civil Society Organisations and project partners, and maintained close collaboration with other institutions providing co-financing.
Q: What excites you most about the potential of AMP, specifically in your country?
A: I am most excited about the potential of AMP to ground-truth the electrification of agricultural value chains in Nigeria and to establish the most appropriate solutions and business models for scaling up commercial investments in mini-grids. I believe this will provide multi-dimensional solutions across social and economic facets, especially in rural communities.
Q: What is one thing you want people to know about minigrids and access to electricity?
A: Minigrids have a significant potential for economic and social impacts in Nigerian rural communities once the business case is gotten right. Access to electricity can catalyze economic development while simultaneously improving the quality of healthcare, education and overall quality of living.