Experts Shine a Light on Rural Nigeria’s Future in Energising Dialogue
The Electricity Hub, a subsidiary of Nextier, organized its 97th Power Dialogue on August 28, 2024. This event brought together experts and key players in Nigeria’s energy sector to address pressing challenges and explore new opportunities, particularly in rural electrification.
This event drew participation from some of the leading figures in the industry, including Mrs Fauzia Chevonne Okediji, a Utility Innovation and Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) Specialist at the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet; Mr Olufemi Akinyelure, who leads the Nigeria Electrification Programme under the Rural Electrification Agency (REA); Mr Olu Aruike, the Country Director at Husk Power Systems; and Mr David Arinze, a Programme Officer for the United States African Development Foundation’s (USADF) Off-Grid Energy Portfolio at Diamond Development Initiatives.
The primary goal of the 97th Power Dialogue was to discuss practical solutions for bridging the electrification gap in Nigeria’s rural communities, which remain underserved by the national grid. The conversation centred on the potential of renewable energy solutions, such as mini-grids and solar home systems, to bring much-needed electricity to these areas.
These technologies are vital in improving energy access across Nigeria, where many communities still rely on traditional and often inefficient energy sources. Mr. David Arinze started the discussion by emphasising the effectiveness of mini-grids and solar home systems in addressing rural electrification’s unique challenges.
He highlighted how these solutions can provide reliable and sustainable power to remote communities, where extending the national grid would be costly and logistically challenging. His points resonated with the other panellists, who agreed on adopting a unified approach involving all stakeholders—government bodies, private sector companies, and local communities—in planning and implementing these projects.
The issue of financing was a significant focus during the dialogue. The panellists discussed the need for creative and innovative financing models to attract investment into the energy sector, particularly in rural electrification projects.
They explored the potential of blended finance approaches, combining public and private funds and local currency financing to make these projects more appealing to investors. The panellists stressed that attracting investment isn’t just about having the funds available; it’s also about creating a supportive environment where government policies encourage and facilitate investment in rural energy projects.
Another critical point raised during the discussion was the importance of reliable data and research in guiding decision-making and project implementation in the energy sector. The panellists noted that effective data management is crucial for better planning, more efficient resource use, and, ultimately, for attracting more investors.
They argued that accurate and comprehensive data is essential for developing energy policies that are grounded in reality and tailored to the specific needs of different communities. They said this would lead to more successful projects and better outcomes for the people living in these rural areas.
Mrs Fauzia Chevonne Okediji emphasised energy access’s fundamental role in economic empowerment and improving the quality of life, especially in rural communities. She pointed out that understanding the impact of energy access on economic development is crucial for driving meaningful progress in these areas.
Her remarks highlighted electrification’s broader social and financial implications, suggesting that improving energy access could promote economic growth and reduce poverty in Nigeria.
Mr. Olufemi Akinyelure also discussed the government’s role in enhancing the well-being of its citizens. He stressed that the government’s primary mission should be to improve people’s lives, including ensuring that even the most remote and underserved communities can access reliable and affordable electricity.
He called for greater government involvement in rural electrification, suggesting that government policies and programs should prioritise energy access as a critical component of national development.
The 97th power dialogue focused on the challenges and offered solutions. The panellists discussed the importance of building the capacity of local developers and stakeholders to implement energy projects effectively.
They advocated for increased collaboration among different service providers and developers to create energy solutions tailored to the specific needs of the communities they serve. The panellists agreed that such cooperation is essential for the success of rural electrification projects, as it allows for sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices.
The event concluded with a strong call for continued dialogue and collaboration among all stakeholders in the energy sector. The panellists stressed that achieving significant progress in rural electrification and improving energy access across Nigeria requires a collective effort.
They urged all parties—government, private sector, and communities—to work together towards common goals, emphasising that the country can only hope to overcome the challenges and fully realise the opportunities in its energy sector.