USAID’s Power Africa Nigeria Power Sector Programme has collaborated with the Lagos State Government to launch a three-week training programme on clean energy solutions for the first 30 women out of the 500 women across Nigeria who will receive this training.
The initiative by Power Africa aims to increase women participation and leadership in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.
The training, held recently at the Lagos State Electricity Board in Ikeja, is part of Power Africa’s Growing Green Jobs for Women in Nigeria programme. It will equip participants with hands-on expertise in solar installation and maintenance, just as they would get the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) certification.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Shola Shasore said that Power Africa’s skills training programme aligns with the State Government’s commitment to promoting gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.
She noted that empowering women to compete in the renewable energy job market supports the administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus development agenda.
“With women currently holding just 8% of energy sector jobs in Nigeria, programmes creating opportunities for women in technical roles are essential for an inclusive and sustainable future,” Shasore emphasised.
The Permanent Secretary further urged the trainees to utilise the knowledge from the programme to create positive change in their communities and encourage more women to pursue technical careers.
The Chief of Party of Power Africa Nigeria Power Sector Programme, Mr. Tunde Gbajumo, thanked the Lagos State government for supporting the initiative.
“Closing the gender gap in energy sector jobs and leadership will accelerate Nigeria’s transition to sustainable power,” Gbajumo asserted.
In his remarks, the Head of Administration and Human Resources of the Lagos State Electricity Board, Mr. Demilola Lateef Shitta praised the participants’ dedication and emphasised the need for more initiatives that empower women in solar and renewable energy.
It should be noted that the collaboration with Lagos State Government on the skill training programme demonstrates USAID Power Africa’s commitment to ensuring inclusivity and sustainability in the energy sector.
As more women develop expertise in clean energy, Nigeria can position itself at the forefront of the global energy transition while creating new economic opportunities for its citizens.