₦airaland Forum

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.

princeade86:
Yinmu. It is welllllllll

DeLaRue:
In Nigeria...it will not work.

And I know the people promoting this scheme know in their hearts of hearts that it will not work.

Example - 90% of the boreholes sunk by local government, State governments, and federal agency (at hugely inflated cost) stop working shortly after installation.

The so-called $750m will mostly end up in private pockets.

Next.

AMI3:
Hurray! 24/7 power is coming.
If I don't give u 24/7 electricity, When I come back for reelection don't vote me.
Who made that statement?

No options.

If u get the correct answer I will give u one ...

omoadeleye:
Omo, lands for farms will be sacrificed for solar panels

simpleseyi:
.
Doubting Thomases will be shamed

DeLaRue:
In Nigeria...it will not work.

And I know the people promoting this scheme know in their hearts of hearts that it will not work.

Example - 90% of the boreholes sunk by local government, State governments, and federal agency (at hugely inflated cost) stop working shortly after installation.

The so-called $750m will mostly end up in private pockets.

Next.

PlasmaTV:
Very useless initiative.
Use the money to fix the national grid.

princeade86:
Yinmu. It is welllllllll

ElSudani:
Don't mind them. That is how they doubted the Dangote Refinery. Imagine what Nigeria would have been going through right now without the foresight of just one Nigerian.

Nteogwuija:
Pls, what difference has the Dangote refinery made?

Cuz fuel is 1050 naira now in PH.

A man built a refinery to enrich himself and u think it's for the people's benefits?

Can u pls explain how Dangote refinery benefits Nigerians?

ElSudani:
Fuel is N1050 in PH but how much hours or days do you have to queue to get it like you used to?

Nteogwuija:
Like cement, like fuel. All I see is another oligarchical system.

I'm sure you also think Nigerians are okay with the high price of cement as long as they can get the cement whenever they want.

ElSudani:
How about other rich Nigerians investing their money where it benefits them and the country rather than stand on the sidelines and criticize everything and everyone?

Nteogwuija:
My point here is that rich and wealthy people can do what they want with their money. It's none of my business.

But u coming out to say that a capitalist like Dangote built a refinery with the purpose of helping Nigerians is what I won't agree with and would make it my bizness, cuz I hate being gaslighted.

If Dangote wants to help Nigerians, be should start by reducing the price of cement.

If he does that, his colleagues like BUA will follow suit, and that might help in reducing the cost of building a house.

That's how to help. But it's easier for Wolves to win the EPL in 2026 than for Dangote to reduce the price of cement.

ElSudani:
Don't mind them. That is how they doubted the Dangote Refinery. Imagine what Nigeria would have been going through right now without the foresight of just one Nigerian.

WizardOfNG:
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.
https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/us-uk-china-investors-on-alert-as-nigeria-rolls-out-dollar750-million-mini-grid-solar/mt4s49t