Nigeria plans renewable energy growth despite fossil fuel support

Nigeria, Africa's largest oil producer, is shifting focus towards renewable energy to improve energy security. Recently, the U.S. government expressed support for fossil fuel development in Africa, which may influence Nigeria's oil and gas exploitation. Despite having significant oil reserves, over 80 million Nigerians lack electricity. The Nigerian government aims for renewable energy to meet nearly 60% of energy demand by 2050 and has signed agreements to develop mini-grids and solar projects. This month, Nigeria launched a $500 million fund for renewable energy solutions and partnered with WeLight to create mini-grids for rural areas. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to diversify energy sources amid global pressure to transition away from fossil fuels.