Strengthening partnerships for environmental impact assessment and Hydropower Planning in Nigeria

Nigeria is currently working on ways to improve their SEA and ESIA systems. Part of this ambition is to improve the use of SEA in their plans and policies, coordination and collaboration.

To identify ways to support the Nigerian government in this process, the NCEA visited Abuja to meet with key stakeholders, establish direct contacts, and gain a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges within the Nigerian environmental assessment context. The mission also included discussions with the Federal Ministry of Power and Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation on the progress of the SPIN Hydropower Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) programme, for which the NCEA is already providing process support.

During the visit, the NCEA engaged with several governmental institutions and its agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of Agriculture. Meetings were also held with professional associations, civil society organisations, and international financial institutions such as the African Development Bank.

These exchanges provided valuable insights into the current dynamics, needs, and opportunities related to environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) systems and strategic environmental assessment processes in Nigeria. Together with the Nigerian ministries and partner institutions involved, the NCEA will examine the possibilities for a future role in facilitating dialogue and cooperation between institutions, with the aim of fostering stronger collaboration and more coordinated action in relation to Strategic planning.

In the coming months, the NCEA and its partners will further explore opportunities to organise training sessions and joint activities focused on strengthening institutional capacity, stakeholder engagement, and awareness of SEA systems in Nigeria. Particular attention will be given to supporting the implementation of the SPIN Hydropower SESA programme and promoting good environmental governance practices more broadly.

Picture: ©NCEA, 2026