Nigeria has unveiled a $750 million renewable energy initiative designed to expand electricity access through solar mini-grids and off-grid systems, a programme officials say could attract more than $1.1 billion in private investment and transform the country’s energy sector.
The project, spearheaded by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), plans to install 1,350 solar mini-grids nationwide, including 250 systems integrated directly into Nigeria’s national electricity network.
During a visit from a delegation of the National Judicial Institute in Abuja, REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu described the programme as a historic step in Nigeria’s long-standing struggle with unreliable power supply.
“For the first time, we are implementing the largest publicly funded renewable electricity project in the world. This $750 million initiative is expected to catalyse $1.1 billion in private sector funding to deploy 1,350 mini-grids across Nigeria,” Aliyu said.
Despite decades of reforms and investment, Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, continues to face persistent electricity shortages. Millions of households and businesses still rely on diesel or petrol generators, incurring high costs and contributing to environmental degradation.
Universities and hospitals benefit from large-scale solar projects
Officials see decentralised solar systems as a faster and cleaner way to supply power, especially in rural areas where extending the national grid is costly and slow. The mini-grid programme is designed to serve communities currently off-grid while enhancing existing infrastructure through integration with the national network.
In addition, REA is expanding solar electricity under its Energising Education Programme, which delivers renewable energy to universities and teaching hospitals.
Aliyu noted that 15 large solar projects have already been completed, powering entire campuses. “One project deployed 12 megawatts in a university, supplying the campus, teaching hospital, and water treatment plant through a dedicated distribution network,” he said.
Public institutions to receive dedicated solar power
Several federal institutions have already received solar installations, including the University of Maiduguri, Federal University Gashua, Federal University of Agriculture Akure, and universities in Nasarawa, Kogi, Imo, Ebonyi, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states.
Eight additional large-scale installations are planned for institutions such as the University of Lagos, University of Ibadan Teaching Hospital, University of Nigeria Nsukka, University of Benin, Federal University Wukari, and Federal University Dutse.
The federal government is also scaling up renewable energy for public institutions through the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative, which has received ₦100 billion (approximately $74 million) in funding. The initiative aims to reduce electricity costs for government agencies and improve reliability in critical facilities.
Installations are already underway at the Department of State Services, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, and the National Hospital in Abuja. Aliyu emphasized that additional educational institutions will also be integrated into the programme to stabilise power supply across the public sector.
“The goal of this programme is to support public institutions that are underserved or struggling to pay for electricity,” he said.
For international investors, Nigeria’s large-scale solar rollout highlights emerging opportunities in Africa’s largest economy, particularly as countries across the continent pursue decentralised renewable power systems.
With a combination of public financing, private investment incentives, and expanding infrastructure, Nigeria’s energy push is poised to become one of the most closely watched renewable energy programmes in emerging markets.