The Federal Government on Thursday announced the completion of 23 solar mini-grid projects, an initiative described as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the national grid and accelerate off-grid energy deployment to underserved communities across the country. These projects are currently providing electricity to about 50,000 Nigerians and over 20,000 households.
Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, disclosed this in Abuja during the official launch of the Africa Mini-Grids Programme National Project pilot phase, themed “Powering Agricultural Value Chains and Stimulating State Energy Markets.” The event, organised by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility, also marked the unveiling of these 23 solar mini-grid projects spread across rural communities.
Speaking at the event, Tegbe described the mini-grid initiative as a practical demonstration of collaboration between the government, development partners, and local communities. He noted that the projects represented more than the commissioning of electricity infrastructure, as the initiative is already transforming livelihoods and revitalising local economies.
The Minister stressed that renewable energy, especially solar technology, should no longer be viewed as an alternative, but as a legitimate source of power generation. He highlighted that Nigeria currently has a solar farm producing 200 megawatts of electricity and is determined to follow the path of countries like Kenya, Morocco, and Egypt, which have significantly increased renewable energy contributions to their grids.
Tegbe explained that the government is deploying technology to address the unique energy challenges of underserved communities, creating a “last mile” through mini-grids. These solutions are serving businesses, healthcare facilities, schools, and households in areas where traditional transmission lines have not yet reached.
He further assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains committed to addressing the country’s power challenges, with peaceful improvements in electricity delivery expected before the end of this year. Tegbe acknowledged that issues managed poorly for 50 years cannot be resolved in six months, but affirmed that infrastructure is being fixed, and both grid and off-grid assets are being built.
Commending the partnership between the REA, UNDP, and the Global Environment Facility, Tegbe expressed confidence in Nigeria’s renewable energy ambitions, suggesting that Nigeria’s experience could become a model for other African countries. He urged development partners to accelerate the second phase of the Africa Mini-Grids Programme, welcoming plans to roll out another 50 mini-grids.
Earlier, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, stated that electricity should no longer be regarded as a social service but as the foundation of modern economies. He warned that Nigeria risks missing out on emerging opportunities in artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and modern healthcare if it fails to accelerate energy access.
Aliyu noted that the Africa Mini-Grids Programme was deliberately designed to connect electricity with productivity by targeting agricultural production and processing clusters, rather than merely providing power to households. Studies under the agency’s Energising Agriculture Programme identified communities where inadequate electricity prevented farmers and processors from unlocking billions of naira in economic value.
He cited the example of the Namu community in Plateau State, where a solar mini-grid significantly reduced production costs for local rice processors. Aliyu explained that over 30 factories in that community, many owned by women, had previously shut down due to the prohibitive cost of diesel generators, making their products uncompetitive.
