- Expanding mini-grids and local manufacturing strengthen Nigeria’s renewable energy value chain.
- Strong public-private collaboration is essential for universal, affordable, and reliable energy access.
The drive to expand clean electricity gained momentum as renewable energy partnerships took centre stage at the 2025 Renewable Energy Conference. Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering modern energy access nationwide. He was represented by Mr Metu Francis, Principal Electricity Engineer at the Ministry.
Adelabu highlighted that collaboration across the renewable energy value chain is essential. Nigeria aims to strengthen local manufacturing, solar systems, mini-grids and climate-smart technologies. He said the Ministry is committed to enabling policies, improved financing and robust support for industry players expanding clean electricity access. The 2025 conference theme closely aligns with this mission to deliver reliable and affordable energy to all Nigerians.
The Minister praised the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) for promoting collaboration, innovation and dialogue. Private-sector leadership, local manufacturing and community-driven solutions are central to achieving national energy transition targets. He emphasised that partnerships can expand mini-grids, strengthen local capacity and support women, small businesses and underserved communities.
REAN President, Mr Ayo Ademilua, noted that the association continues to drive advocacy and strategic collaboration. Members have established solar panel assembly plants in both Northern and Southern regions, supplying domestic and export markets. These investments have boosted investor confidence, foreign investment, and strengthened the renewable energy value chain.
Despite progress, Nigeria still faces a major energy access gap. Current generation stands at 3.3 gigawatts, far below the 9-gigawatt target for 2030. Millions of Nigerians still lack reliable electricity. Ademilua called for predictable policies, stronger legislative engagement, and full implementation of the Electricity Act 2023. A Just Energy Transition must benefit rural communities, women, youths, small businesses and farmers.
Dr Mustapha Abdullahi of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, represented by Mr Halilu Sale, stressed that strong public-private partnerships are vital. Decentralised renewable solutions, including mini-grids and standalone solar systems, are key to reaching underserved communities. Proper energy access must empower households, businesses and youths through green jobs and local manufacturing.