AfDB supports Nigeria’s battery energy storage system development with $1.2m grant

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has committed a $1.2 million grant to support the development of Nigeria’s battery energy storage system (BESS).

Abdul Kamra, director-general (DG) of AfDB’s Nigeria country office, spoke at the inaugural workshop of the BESS feasibility study held on Wednesday in Abuja.

The workshop was organised by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in collaboration with the AfDB.

Kamra, who was represented by Chigoziri Egeruoh, chief engineer at the AfDB Nigeria country office, said the grant was provided under the bank’s energy transition catalyst programme.

“As we work toward the ambitious goal of connecting 300 million people to electricity by 2030 under the Mission 300 initiative, battery energy storage emerges as a critical enabler,” he said.

“Nowhere is this mission more urgent than here in Nigeria, home to an estimated 90 million people still without access to electricity.

“This is why the bank has committed a $1.2 million grant to support this feasibility study implemented through the Transmission Company of Nigeria.”

Kamra said the project would examine grid integration, assess business and regulatory models that can attract investment, and build capacity for sustainable implementation.

He said battery storage is no longer a luxury but a necessity, as it provides solutions such as frequency stabilisation, peak load management, and reserve capacity for Nigeria’s evolving grid.

The director-general also said the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s energy transition plan, the sustainable energy for all (SE4ALL) agenda, and the country’s renewable energy goals.

“The AfDB is a committed partner in this journey through our One-Billion-Dollar Economic Governance and Energy Transition Support Programme,” he said.

‘FG’S COMMITTED TO CLIMATE-SMART ENERGY SOLUTIONS’

On his part, Adebayo Adelabu, minister of power, said the workshop signals the federal government’s commitment to adopting climate-smart and forward-looking energy solutions.

Adelabu, who was represented by Ben Ayangeor, assistant director of renewable energy, said the study is a strategic step toward strengthening Nigeria’s power infrastructure.

“Nigeria’s power sector has undergone significant reforms. Yet key challenges persist, including power intermittency, grid instability, and underutilised generation,” he said.

“With more solar and wind energy in our mix, we must address energy storage. BESS offers the most scalable solution to enhance stability, flexibility, and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.”

He added that the system would also help integrate renewables into grid and off-grid systems, improve power quality, and extend clean energy access to underserved areas.

Sule Abdulaziz, managing director (MD) of TCN, who was also represented by Olugbenga Ajiboye, executive director of transmission system provider at the company, said the organisation’s mandate is to expand a reliable transmission network.

He said the BESS would help resolve issues such as frequency fluctuations and peak load pressures that have long affected the country’s electricity value chain.

The MD said the feasibility study is timely and would help strengthen grid performance and ensure more efficient use of Nigeria’s transmission assets.