Nigeria has launched an ambitious $750 million renewable electrification programme aimed at expanding electricity access through solar mini-grids and off-grid power systems, a move officials say could unlock over $1.1 billion in private investment and reshape the country’s energy landscape.
Nigeria has unveiled a $750 million renewable electrification initiative targeting 1,350 solar mini-grids nationwide, including 250 that will connect to the national grid.
The programme is expected to mobilise $1.1 billion in private-sector funding and improve access to power for underserved communities.
Large-scale solar projects under the Energising Education Programme are providing electricity to universities and teaching hospitals.
Government agencies and public institutions are also benefiting from the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative, which reduces reliance on costly generators.
The initiative, being implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), is expected to deploy 1,350 solar mini-grids nationwide, including 250 interconnected systems that will feed power directly into Nigeria’s national grid.
Speaking in Abuja during a visit by a delegation from the National Judicial Institute, REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu described the programme as a landmark intervention in Nigeria’s decades-long struggle with electricity shortages.
“For the first time, we are witnessing the implementation of the biggest publicly funded renewable electricity project in the entire world. It is a $750 million project that will catalyse $1.1 billion in private sector funding to deploy 1,350 mini-grids across the country,” Aliyu said.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, continues to face persistent power supply challenges despite decades of reforms and investments in the electricity sector. Millions of households and businesses rely on diesel and petrol generators due to unreliable grid power, leading to high operating costs and environmental concerns.
Officials believe decentralised solar systems could provide a faster and cleaner solution for underserved communities, particularly in rural areas where extending the national grid is expensive and slow.
Aliyu said the mini-grid programme is designed to provide electricity to communities currently outside the grid while strengthening existing infrastructure by integrating some of the new solar installations directly into the national power network.
Comments
Post a Comment