The Nigerian government’s rural electrification initiative has connected over 1.1 million households to clean energy through more than 200 mini-grids, marking significant progress in its mission to expand electricity access across underserved communities.
This achievement was announced by Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), following an inspection of solar facilities in Lagos. The programme, known as the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), is a core component of the country’s strategy to bridge the energy access gap, with private sector collaboration cited as essential to its success.
The REA also secured $750 million in new funding for 2024 through the World Bank-supported Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) project. According to the agency, this capital is designed to catalyse approximately $1.1 billion in complementary private investment. The overarching goal of this scaled-up effort is to provide electricity to an estimated 17.5 million Nigerians by developing 1,350 additional mini-grids.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has long struggled with widespread energy poverty, particularly in rural areas. Mini-grids—small-scale, localized power networks often powered by solar—are a critical part of the national strategy to reach populations distant from the main grid. The NEP, initially funded by the World Bank and African Development Bank, has been operational since 2018, focusing on market-based solutions to stimulate private investment in renewable energy infrastructure.
The DARES project represents a substantial expansion of this model. By using public funds to de-risk and attract private capital, the approach aims to create a sustainable pipeline of projects rather than relying solely on grant-based aid. The target of reaching 17.5 million people aligns with Nigeria’s broader commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy.
The success of this model hinges on creating viable business environments for mini-grid operators and ensuring tariffs are affordable for low-income users. Challenges remain, including currency volatility, logistical hurdles in remote areas, and the need for robust regulatory frameworks. However, the REA’s reported figures suggest the public-private partnership framework is beginning to deliver tangible results.
The focus now shifts to implementation at scale. The deployment of 1,350 new mini-grids will require streamlined approvals, supply chain coordination, and community engagement. If successful, the project could serve as a benchmark for similar electrification drives across West Africa, demonstrating how blended finance can accelerate energy access in fragmented markets.
This development underscores a shift in Nigeria’s energy policy from large-scale grid extensions to decentralised renewable solutions. For the millions still without power, the expanded NEP and DARES funding represent a tangible pathway toward reliable electricity, with direct implications for economic activity, education, healthcare, and overall quality of life in rural and peri-urban regions.
