Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Sector Faces Significant Skills Gap

The House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy has revealed that Nigeria’s renewable energy sector has a substantial unmet skill need, estimated at 50%.

This gap has resulted in the employment of semi-skilled technicians, hindering the sector’s growth. Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Afam Ogene, emphasized that most equipment used in the sector is imported, leading to lost opportunities for green jobs.

The lawmaker cited China’s green job program as a successful example, which has created over 7 million jobs through government-backed policies and funding. Ogene pledged the Committee’s commitment to introducing legislation to address the sector’s challenges and promote job creation.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, reaffirmed the parliament’s determination to collaborate with stakeholders to develop the renewable energy sector for job creation and green energy transition. He emphasized the strategic importance of green energy, not only for environmental reasons but also for its economic potential.

The workshop, themed “Green jobs and low carbon transition,” brought together stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

Participants stressed the need for collaboration to advance the course of renewable energy in Nigeria.