- Nigeria is expanding solar mini-grids and decentralised renewable-energy projects to improve electricity access for underserved communities.
- The government says 23 solar mini-grid projects now provide electricity to about 50,000 people and nearly 20,000 households.
Nigeria is expanding its solar power programme as unreliable electricity supply, rising energy costs and limited grid access continue to constrain households and businesses across the country.
The Federal Government is increasingly deploying solar mini-grids and other decentralised renewable-energy solutions to expand electricity access, particularly in underserved and off-grid communities.
At the launch of the national pilot phase of the Africa Mini-Grids Programme in Abuja, Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe said the government had completed 23 solar mini-grid projects across the country.
He said the projects currently provide electricity to about 50,000 people and nearly 20,000 households.
Tegbe said the initiative goes beyond infrastructure development because it also aims to improve living standards and support economic activity in communities that lack reliable grid electricity.
The expansion comes as inadequate electricity access continues to increase operating costs for businesses and disrupt economic activities across Nigeria. Solar systems and mini-grids provide an alternative for communities and businesses that cannot depend consistently on the national grid.
Government Seeks Wider Investment
The Senior Adviser to the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Hayatudeen, said collaboration among government agencies, development partners, private investors and local communities would remain essential to expanding clean-energy access.
He said stronger partnerships could mobilise the financing, technical expertise and innovative solutions needed to develop more solar mini-grids in underserved and off-grid communities.
Hayatudeen said the Rural Electrification Agency remained committed to creating an environment that attracts private-sector investment while ensuring renewable-energy projects deliver sustainable economic and social benefits.
Solar Brings Relief To Households
Solar power has also provided practical benefits for households that have adopted the technology. Entrepreneur Bonaventure Anselem said solar energy reduced his dependence on fuel and generators while providing more reliable electricity for his household and community.
He said residents sometimes visited his home to charge laptops and other devices or participate in online classes because solar power provided a dependable electricity source.
The experience highlights the wider social benefits that decentralised energy systems can provide beyond basic household electricity consumption.
High Cost Remains A Major Barrier
Despite growing adoption, high installation costs remain a significant barrier to wider solar deployment. Raymond Enoch said the upfront cost of installing solar systems, combined with what he described as inadequate and inconsistent government support, had discouraged him from fully transitioning to solar power.
He noted that households already face significant electricity expenses alongside the cost of alternative power sources. Vincess Okushi called for targeted government intervention to reduce the cost of solar systems for households, small businesses, schools and healthcare facilities.
She proposed a 30% targeted subsidy for solar installations, alongside low-interest financing and reduced taxes on solar equipment.
Okushi said these measures could improve affordability, reduce generator dependence and ease the financial burden on electricity consumers.
Rising Tariffs Drive Solar Adoption
Rising electricity tariffs have also encouraged some households to adopt solar power. Austin Aigbe said increasing electricity costs influenced his household’s decision to depend largely on solar energy. He said the household anticipated that electricity expenses would become a significant financial burden and therefore increased its reliance on solar power.
Private Sector Expands Solar Solutions
Private-sector operators are also developing solar solutions for rural communities and businesses.
The Managing Director of Havenhill Synergy, Oluwatobi Soyombo, said the company identifies commercially viable rural communities without national-grid access and deploys smart solar mini-grids in those locations.
He said the company also provides commercial and industrial solar solutions to urban businesses seeking more reliable electricity and lower carbon emissions.
Soyombo explained that some rural communities lack both distribution networks and transmission infrastructure, leaving them without access to conventional electricity services.
UK Supports Nigeria’s Clean-Energy Drive
The United Kingdom is supporting Nigeria’s clean-energy transition through partnerships designed to strengthen the renewable-energy market and attract private investment.
The Head of Private Sector and Green Growth at the British High Commission in Abuja, Paul Healy, said reliable energy access remains central to economic development.
He said renewable energy, particularly solar power, could help Nigeria provide clean and affordable electricity while creating opportunities for industrialisation and supply-chain development in sectors including agriculture and livestock.
Healy said the UK had supported the broader development of Nigeria’s solar market rather than focusing exclusively on individual projects.
He cited support for mini-grid and solar project models, technical standards, operational approaches and financing mechanisms designed to attract institutional investors to off-grid renewable-energy projects.
According to Healy, UK-supported initiatives have contributed to at least 17 confirmed mini-grid sites and 14,247 energy connections, with 21 domestic institutional investors participating.
Financing And Infrastructure Remain Key Challenges
Despite increasing investment, Nigeria’s solar expansion still faces major financing and infrastructure challenges.
High upfront installation costs, limited access to affordable financing, technical capacity gaps and the need for reliable maintenance systems continue to affect deployment.
Stakeholders have called for sustained government support, private investment, development partnerships and community participation to expand renewable-energy infrastructure and improve affordability.
As Nigeria continues to address its electricity deficit, solar power is becoming an increasingly important component of the country’s energy-access strategy. Scaling deployment, reducing installation costs and improving financing will determine how widely households, businesses and industries can benefit from decentralised renewable energy.