- NEMSA held a workshop in Abuja to emphasise the importance of adhering to technical standards in Nigeria’s growing mini-grid sector.
- The event, supported by the EU and German governments, aimed to ensure safety, reliability, and sustainability in renewable energy projects.
The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) recently held a sensitisation workshop with key stakeholders in the electricity mini-grid sector, emphasising the importance of adhering to the technical standards set by the agency. The event, which took place in Abuja, was led by NEMSA’s Chief Executive Officer, Aliyu Tukur, who highlighted the rapid growth of Nigeria’s mini-grid market and the critical need for compliance to ensure safety and reliability in renewable energy projects.
Tukur pointed out the workshop’s significance in light of the anticipated $750 million World Bank-funded Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) program and additional international development financing. He stressed that the workshop aimed to guide stakeholders in meeting the necessary standards to promote safe, efficient, and sustainable mini-grid projects nationwide.
“The market is expanding quickly, and it is essential that stakeholders collaborate with NEMSA from the start of their projects to ensure proper inspections and certifications,” Tukur said. He also reaffirmed NEMSA’s commitment to enforcing the regulations stipulated in the Electricity Act (EA) 2023 to safeguard the solar mini-grid sector.
The event, themed “Strengthening and Safeguarding Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Landscape through Adherence to Established Standards and Regulations,” was supported by the European Union (EU) and the German Government through the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP). Key participants included solar mini-grid developers, component manufacturers, regulators, and development partners.
In his goodwill message, Mr Godfrey Egbemudia, representing the EU, emphasised the agency’s critical role in ensuring the safety and reliability of solar mini-grid systems. He reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting NEMSA in enhancing the regulatory environment and promoting scalable, sustainable energy solutions.
Mrs. Sharon Kaburuk, representing the Head of the Programme at NESP, also highlighted the ongoing collaboration between NEMSA and the program. She noted that efforts were underway to procure solar mini-grid test equipment for field inspections, further supporting the growth and sustainability of solar mini-grids.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Power, Mahmuda Mamman, who officially opened the event, stressed the importance of continued awareness initiatives to help NEMSA fulfil its mandate in promoting safer and more sustainable electrification projects throughout Nigeria.
The workshop also featured presentations from other stakeholders involved in renewable energy projects. They shared their efforts in complying with NEMSA’s standards, ensuring quality installations, and fostering safe, sustainable practices in the mini-grid sector.