Holistic Project Monitoring and Governance: A Key to Sustainable Energy Development in Nigeria

3 min readMar 26, 2024

By: Ifeoma Malo & Desmond Dogara Bardeson

Holistic Project Monitoring and Governance: A Key to Sustainable Energy Development in Nigeria

The sixth session of the WISIONS Capacity Building series, dedicated to fostering a new generation of energy practitioners, has taken a significant step forward with its focus on Holistic Project Monitoring and Governance in Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE) Projects. Spearheaded by Mr. Ikenna Donald Ofoegbu, a seasoned expert in the field, the session provided a comprehensive approach to tackling energy poverty through DRE.

Tackling Energy Poverty with DRE

Energy poverty is a critical issue in Nigeria, where access to reliable electricity remains a challenge for many. DRE presents a sustainable solution, offering a decentralized approach to energy that can be tailored to the specific needs of communities. Mr. Ikenna’s introduction set the stage for a discussion on the transformative potential of DRE in empowering communities and fostering socio-economic development.

Understanding DRE

Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE) refers to energy systems that are localized, typically using renewable resources such as solar, wind, or hydro, to generate power where it is consumed. DRE systems can range from small solar home systems to larger community-based grids, providing a flexible and scalable approach to energy access.

The Imperative of Measurement and Monitoring

The session underscored the importance of measuring and monitoring DRE projects to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability. Mr. Ikenna highlighted that continuous assessment is vital for understanding the impact of these projects on communities and for making informed decisions about future energy initiatives.

Monitoring Frameworks and Customized Evaluation

In Nigeria, various monitoring frameworks are employed to evaluate DRE projects. However, Mr. Ikenna emphasized that no single framework can fit all scenarios. Instead, he advocated for customized evaluation methods that consider the unique aspects of each project, ensuring that they meet the needs of the communities they serve.

Key Points from the Session:

Understanding DRE: Participants gained insights into the various forms of DRE and their applicability in the Nigerian context.
Monitoring Frameworks: The session explored existing monitoring frameworks in Nigeria, discussing their strengths and limitations.
Customized Approaches: Mr. Ikenna advocated for tailored monitoring and evaluation strategies, recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach is not feasible for the diverse range of DRE projects in Nigeria.

Conclusion

The sixth session of the WISIONS Capacity Building program has shed light on the critical importance of holistic project monitoring and governance in the success of DRE projects. With experts like Mr. Ikenna Donald Ofoegbu at the helm, Nigeria is well-positioned to harness the power of renewable energy for a more sustainable future.

The session was very informative and inspiring, and trainees look forward to learning more from the upcoming sessions. If you are interested in learning more about the course or the DRE sector in Nigeria, you can visit the following links:

Social Media Handles WISIONS & Wuppertal Institute:

LinkedIn: