The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has fervently endorsed renewable mini-grids through preferential financing to embrace clean energy alternatives and augment electricity availability for Nigerians.
Adelabu delivered these compelling remarks on Tuesday during the 2025 Renewable Energy Conference themed, “Stronger Together: Advancing Energy Access Through Policy, Finance & Inclusion,” hosted by the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria in Abuja.
The minister, represented by Metu Francis, a senior electrical engineer within the Power Ministry, indicated that the theme, “Stronger Together: Advancing Energy Access Through Policy, Finance & Inclusion,” resonates with the ministry’s mission to elevate Nigeria towards clean, dependable, and affordable energy.
He emphasized that private sector involvement through concessions, local production, financing institutions, and community-focused initiatives are pivotal to accomplishing the nation’s energy transition objectives.
In response to the release of 24 Kebbi schoolgirls, the minister highlighted that enhanced collaboration would facilitate the scaling of mini-grid implementation, deepen local capabilities, unlock preferential financing, and empower women, small and medium enterprises, as well as underserved communities to embrace clean energy solutions.
“As Nigeria propels the adoption of renewable energy resources, ranging from solar home systems and productive-use devices to mini-grids, local manufacturing, and environmentally-resilient technologies—working together becomes increasingly vital,” he asserted.
Adelabu assured stakeholders of the Ministry’s unwavering support through enabling legislation, enhanced financing avenues, and ongoing dialogue with industry participants striving to broaden modern electricity access.
He also recognized REAN’s significant role in advocating for naira-denominated concessionary financing, broadening opportunities for women and small businesses, and promoting quality assurance within the renewable energy sector.
On his part, the president of REAN, Ayo Ademilua, detailed the power sector’s notable accomplishments over the preceding year and called for urgent measures to bridge Nigeria’s energy access deficiencies.
Ademilua highlighted considerable advancements in establishing solar panel assembly facilities across both northern and southern Nigeria.
“These installations are currently producing high-quality panels for both local and international markets, bolstering investor confidence,” he remarked.
The outcomes, according to him, entail heightened foreign direct investment, improved foreign-exchange earnings, and a more robust local renewable energy supply chain.
