Nigeria and China have begun technical discussions to kick-start the implementation of the Lekki Low-Carbon Demonstration Zone, a pilot initiative under the China-Africa Solar Belt Initiative aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s transition to renewable energy.
The Chinese delegation, led by Wang Zuguang, Deputy Division Chief at China’s Foreign Environmental Cooperation Centre, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, is currently in Nigeria to engage with key stakeholders and assess readiness for the project rollout.
The pilot project—located within Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos—is part of a broader South-South Cooperation framework and stems from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between both countries at COP29 in Baku.
“China is supporting Nigeria and other African countries in renewable energy uptake and sustainable industrial development,” said Michael Ivenso, Director of Energy, Transportation, and Infrastructure at the National Council on Climate Change.
He explained that the collaboration supports President Bola Tinubu’s green industrialisation agenda, and will serve as a scalable model for other trade zones across Nigeria.
“This is about moving Nigeria from a petrol-driven economy to a sustainability-linked industrial ecosystem,” Ivenso said, noting that the lessons from Lekki will guide the creation of tailor-made low-carbon models for other regions.
Following several joint meetings, technical teams from both countries are currently working on the project design. The Chinese delegation will also visit the Ministry of Science and Technology and Abuja Industrial Zone, showcasing Nigeria’s broader commitment to renewable energy and industrial transformation.
The delegation includes environmental officials and academics from China, tasked with conducting ground assessments, reviewing policy frameworks, and aligning with Nigeria’s development goals.
“This is not just about Lagos. It’s about creating a national model that can be replicated in Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, and beyond,” Ivenso added.
