Abba Abubakar Aliyu, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), has stated that Nigeria’s efforts to expand electricity access are now on a scale comparable to India’s ambitious nationwide electrification project, making it one of the world’s most substantial infrastructure endeavors.
Aliyu shared this information during a panel discussion at the recent Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES). He emphasized the size, urgency, and advancements being made in Nigeria’s electricity access program, noting that mini-grids are playing a vital role in boosting the nation’s overall energy resilience.
Speaking on the theme of providing “Reliable, Sustainable & Inclusive Power for Africa’s Future,” the REA Managing Director explained that the program has moved beyond policy creation to large-scale implementation, supported by a well-defined project pipeline.
He revealed that the Agency is currently developing over 1,000 mini-grids throughout Nigeria, with the goal of connecting more than 17.5 million Nigerians to electricity
The initiative includes both standalone mini-grids for communities previously without electricity and interconnected mini-grids for areas with unreliable power supply. Many of these mini-grids include battery storage to enhance reliability and provide backup power during grid outages.
Aliyu emphasized that mini-grids are increasingly recognized as crucial infrastructure for resilience, supporting economic activity, essential services, and strategically important areas, while also complementing and strengthening the national power grid.
He also highlighted REA’s work in public institutions, mentioning key projects such as the 8-megawatt floating solar installation at the University of Lagos, as well as hybrid power systems at the University of Port Harcourt, University of Maiduguri, Obafemi Awolowo University, and Ahmadu Bello University, among others.
Aliyu stated that these projects are not only increasing access to electricity but are also boosting productivity, improving healthcare services, enhancing educational outcomes, and promoting long-term sustainability for these institutions
