Strengthening Nigeria ENERGIA Network (NEN) to Engender Energy Policies and Programmes in Nigeria

ENERGIA supported Friends of the Environment Nigeria (FOTE) through a seed funding project aimed at strengthening the Nigerian ENERGIA Network (NEN). The project took place between 2009 – 2010 with the key activities being: Hold a meeting to assess NEN activities for the year and review gender mainstreaming activities; Development of NEN flyers; Sponsor members to advocacy events/exchange visits; Create awareness and increase knowledge on issues of gender in energy through advocacy workshops; Compile and document gender and energy case studies including their gender impacts, lessons learnt and replication / way forward.

Key objectives:

  • Position the Network to better influence policy and enhance recognition of the network as the lead gender and energy network in the country.
  • Mainstream gender concerns in the energy sector in Nigeria. 

Key results:

  • A network meeting and workshop were held on 2 – 3 February 2010 to plan and set priorities for the Network for 2010 onwards. Twenty participants attended the meeting, who were representatives of NGOs, Government and the Media.
  • 500 copies of NEN flyers disseminated to key stakeholders in the Nigeria energy sector.
  • Adequate awareness created among 20 member institutions to mainstream gender concerns into energy access programmes and policies.
  • Five gender and energy case studies on  best practices documented and published on the Nigeria ENERGIA Network (NEN) and ENERGIA website.
  • Members were sponsored to participate at two advocacy events and one exchange visit. The advocacy activities gave the network more visibility and also enhanced development of NEN through experience and knowledge sharing.

Lessons learned:

  • Through a visit to Ghana NEN was able to establish the need for more networking activities between Ghana and Nigeria. The Ghana Network has promised to reciprocate the visit, funds permitting. NEN also realized the need for improved coordination.
  • The employment of a dedicated Desk Officer helped in the smooth running of the network and enabled the NFP to concentrate on managing the network without hindering its own programmes.

FOTE Seedfunding FINAL Report - Download