The Federal Government, In a bold move to bridge Nigeria’s electricity gap, launched an ambitious energy access programme aimed at transforming the nation’s power sector.
According to the Minister of Power’s spokesperson, Bolaji Tunji, the initiative spearheaded by Minister Adebayo Adelabu, requires $23.2 billion in funding, with $15.5 billion expected from private sector investments.
Tunji noted that the programme is a direct outcome of the recently concluded Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The summit, which brought together African leaders, business executives, and development partners, aims to accelerate electricity access for 300 million Africans by 2030.
Dubbed the “National Energy Compact”, the programme seeks to: Increase Nigeria’s electricity access rate from 4% to 9% annually, boost access to clean cooking solutions from 22% to 25% annually, expand renewable energy’s share in power generation from 22% to 50% and attract $15.5 billion in private investments to drive last-mile electrification
“These efforts align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7, which promotes universal access to modern energy services,” Tunji stated.
Unveiling the programme, Adelabu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to providing universal access to affordable and sustainable energy by 2030.
“With 150 million Nigerians already electrified, we are determined to expand electricity access, increase renewable energy adoption, and improve clean cooking solutions for millions more,” he said.
However, the minister acknowledged that challenges such as vandalism of power infrastructure pose significant threats to the country’s electrification efforts.
“Transmission towers, pipelines, and distribution equipment continue to be targeted, disrupting supply and discouraging investment,” Adelabu noted.
To address these issues, the government is implementing enhanced security measures, stricter penalties, and improved surveillance technologies to protect power assets.
Adelabu also emphasised the crucial role of private sector participation in achieving Nigeria’s electrification targets, highlighting that the $23.2 billion investment plan will focus on expanding power generation, strengthening transmission and distribution networks, and integrating distributed renewable energy solutions.
Recognising that achieving universal energy access requires collective action, the government has called on development partners, philanthropies, and the private sector to support the initiative.
“By implementing the National Energy Compact, Nigeria is positioning itself as a leader in Africa’s energy transition while fostering economic growth, job creation, and industrialisation,” Adelabu stated.
Despite having a population of over 200 million, Nigeria continues to struggle with an unstable power supply, generating just 4,500 megawatts of electricity.
Efforts to increase capacity to 6,000MW in 2024 were hindered by vandalism and frequent grid collapses.
Currently, more than 250 companies and institutions have opted out of the national grid, relying on self-generated electricity instead.
The success of the new energy compact will be pivotal in addressing Nigeria’s persistent power crisis and setting the country on a path toward sustainable energy
