Nigeria's Energy Revolution
A nation of energy abundance is tackling a paradox of energy poverty, sparked by economic shifts and powered by the sun.
Nigeria has the largest energy access deficit in the world, forcing a reliance on expensive, inefficient alternatives.
This "generator economy" costs billions annually in fuel, hindering economic growth and damaging the environment.
The Solar Solution
Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE) has emerged as the most powerful solution, offering a cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable alternative to the failing grid and costly generators.
The Compelling Economics of Solar
The primary driver for DRE adoption is its clear cost advantage. For businesses and households, switching to solar means immediate and significant savings, unlocking capital for growth and development.
A Market Primed for Growth
The potential annual market to displace generators and power unserved communities with DRE technologies is colossal, representing one of the continent's largest development opportunities.
This opportunity is attracting significant investment, fueling rapid expansion of solar mini-grids and home systems.
The Engine Room: A Public-Private Partnership
Nigeria's electrification is not happening by chance. It's driven by a sophisticated partnership that combines government strategy, international finance, and private sector execution.
Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP)
The foundational program that proved the model's success.
- ✓$550M in initial financing
- ✓5.5M+ people electrified
- ✓125+ solar mini-grids built
- ✓5,000+ direct green jobs created
DARES Program (Scale-Up)
The ambitious successor program to deepen the market.
- ➤$750M in initial commitment
- ➤Targeting 17.5M more Nigerians
- ➤Planning 1,350 new mini-grids
- ➤Massive job growth anticipated
Fueling the New Economy
The clean energy transition is a powerful economic engine, creating thousands of sustainable jobs and unleashing a wave of rural entrepreneurship.
Projected Growth in DRE Sector Jobs
The DRE sector is becoming a major employer, offering sustainable careers in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance, far exceeding growth in many traditional industries.
The Human Dividend
Beyond the numbers, clean energy is delivering life-altering improvements in health, agriculture, and education across the nation.
Saving Lives in Clinics
Reliable solar power enables clinics to store vaccines, power medical devices, and handle childbirths safely around the clock.
Replacing polluting kerosene and wood with clean cooking and lighting solutions drastically reduces indoor air pollution and respiratory illnesses.
Cultivating Prosperity
Solar-powered irrigation is cutting costs for farmers, boosting crop yields, and leading to lower food prices in local markets.
"Since farming costs have dropped, food prices in the market have reduced. A bag of local rice now sells for ₦30,000, compared to ₦70,000–₦100,000 last season."
Illuminating Futures
With light to study by at night and power for digital tools, students in electrified communities have a brighter academic future.
In villages like Elekokan, solar mini-grids allowed local businesses to double their operating hours, boosting income and community vitality.
Nigeria's National Ambition
A clear and ambitious policy framework is guiding Nigeria towards a sustainable and energy-independent future.
Renewable Energy Master Plan (REMP)
Set foundational targets to increase renewables' share of the energy mix to 23% by 2025 and 36% by 2030.
Electricity Act 2023
A landmark law decentralizing electricity regulation to the states, fostering a more competitive and liberalized market.
Energy Transition Plan (ETP) - 2030 Target
Achieve universal electricity access for all Nigerians.
Energy Transition Plan (ETP) - 2060 Target
Achieve a carbon-neutral energy system (Net-Zero), supported by a massive 130 GW battery storage target.