By Adelabu Jumoke with Agency Report
In a significant step towards bridging Nigeria’s electricity access gap, 15 new solar mini-grids have been commissioned across Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa States. The mini-grids, collectively delivering 1.4 MW of clean energy, are now powering homes, businesses, clinics, and schools—transforming the lives of more than 30,000 people in underserved rural communities.
The project is part of a landmark $60 million project finance agreement with CrossBoundary Energy Access (CBEA), which financed the infrastructure. ENGIE Energy Access led the construction and now oversees the operation of the mini-grids, ensuring long-term sustainability and reliable energy delivery.
Nigeria, where over 85 million people still live without access to electricity, stands to gain significantly from such decentralized energy solutions. The newly energized communities are already witnessing tangible benefits: local entrepreneurs, particularly women, are using electricity for the first time to run small businesses; schools have extended learning hours; and clinics are now able to refrigerate vaccines and operate after dark.
In addition to improving quality of life and boosting rural economic activity, the solar mini-grids are expected to reduce reliance on diesel generators, helping to avert over 33,000 tons of CO₂ emissions.
The initiative underscores the impact of strong public-private collaboration. It is being implemented in coordination with the Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria, CrossBoundary Access, and ENGIE Energy Access—all working together to advance Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7), which calls for universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy.
The project also prioritizes local capacity building, with efforts underway to recruit and train talent within the communities the mini-grids serve.
This rollout represents a growing momentum in Nigeria’s decentralized energy sector, with solar mini-grids emerging as a key solution to closing the country’s electricity access gap and catalyzing rural development.
