FG Unveils Solar-Powered Plan to Electrify Rural Communities, Targets 50,000 Households

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding electricity access to underserved communities across Nigeria through solar energy, describing renewable power as a critical component of the country’s long-term energy strategy.

Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, made the declaration during the launch of the Africa Mini-grids Programme in Abuja, where he emphasized that solar electrification will play a central role in reaching millions of Nigerians who remain outside the national grid.

According to the minister, the programme, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme in collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency, will deploy 23 solar mini-grids across the country in its pilot phase, providing electricity to approximately 50,000 households.

Tegbe stressed that renewable energy should no longer be viewed as a temporary alternative to conventional power sources but as a permanent pillar of Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure.

“Renewable energy, especially solar technology, is not an alternative source of power. It is not a diesel generator solution but an integral part of our national power architecture,” he said.

The minister noted that Nigeria is increasingly embracing diverse energy sources, including hydro, solar and wind power, to address the country’s electricity challenges. He pointed to the emergence of large-scale solar generation projects as evidence of the sector’s growing potential.

He explained that the government’s strategy is to deploy energy technologies according to the specific needs of different communities, particularly in remote areas where transmission infrastructure has yet to reach.

“In this project, we are focusing on communities that are beyond the reach of transmission lines and transformers. Through mini-grids, we intend to provide electricity to homes, businesses, healthcare facilities and schools in those locations,” he added.

The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Aliyu Abba, described the initiative as a transformative programme that links electricity access with economic productivity and private-sector investment.

He said many communities across Nigeria have been unable to fully realise their economic potential due to the absence of reliable electricity, adding that solar mini-grids are already helping to change that reality.

According to Abba, the programme combines public funding, grant financing and private-sector participation to deliver sustainable energy solutions that can stimulate local economies and improve livelihoods.

Also speaking at the event, Mohamed Malick Fall, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, highlighted the broader social and economic benefits of clean energy access.

He said the mini-grid initiative would not only provide affordable electricity but also strengthen healthcare delivery, improve educational outcomes and support small businesses in rural communities.

“Energy is not just about electricity. It is about powering hospitals, schools and businesses. It creates jobs for young people, drives economic growth and improves lives,” Fall said.

He further noted that achieving sustainable development goals would be impossible without ensuring sustainable access to energy, particularly for rural populations.

The launch of the Africa Mini-grids Programme comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with energy deficits that have left millions of households and businesses dependent on costly alternative power sources. Stakeholders believe that expanding solar-powered mini-grids could significantly bridge the electricity access gap while supporting the country’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.

With the deployment of 23 solar mini-grids already underway, the Federal Government says the initiative represents another step toward achieving universal electricity access and unlocking economic opportunities for communities that have long remained beyond the reach of the national grid.