The Federal Government has announced an ambitious energy access programme aimed at closing Nigeria’s electricity gap and transforming the nation’s energy sector. The initiative, requiring a total investment of $23.2 billion, is expected to receive $15.5 billion in funding from private sector investors.
A statement released by the spokesman for the Minister of Power, Bolaji Tunji, highlighted that the programme, led by Minister Adebayo Adelabu, is designed to bring comprehensive reforms to the power sector. According to Tunji, the initiative stems from the recently concluded Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit, held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The two-day summit brought together African leaders, business executives, and development partners. Hosted by the Government of Tanzania, the African Union, the African Development Bank Group, and the World Bank Group, it focused on accelerating electricity access for 300 million Africans by 2030.
“Through the energy access programme, tagged the National Energy Compact, the government aims to increase electricity access from 4 per cent to 9 per cent annually, boost access to clean cooking solutions from 22 per cent to 25 per cent annually, expand renewable energy’s share in the power generation mix from 22 per cent to 50 per cent, and mobilise $15.5bn in private investment to drive last-mile electrification,” Tunji stated.
He further emphasized that these efforts align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7, which aims to ensure universal access to modern energy services.
Speaking at the unveiling of the programme, Minister Adelabu stated that the initiative would significantly expand electricity access, increase renewable energy adoption, and improve clean cooking solutions for millions of Nigerians.
“With 150 million Nigerians already electrified, Nigeria remains committed to ensuring universal access to affordable and sustainable energy by 2030,” the minister said.
Despite the roadmap for expansion, Adelabu acknowledged that challenges such as vandalism of power infrastructure pose significant threats to Nigeria’s electrification goals. He noted that frequent attacks on transmission towers, pipelines, and distribution equipment have disrupted supply and deterred investors.
The minister stressed the importance of securing power infrastructure to sustain progress. He added that the government is implementing stricter security measures, enhanced surveillance technology, and tougher penalties to combat vandalism.
According to him, substantial investment is essential for Nigeria to achieve its electrification targets, and the government is prioritizing private sector participation to attract additional resources.
“The compact outlines a $23.2bn investment target, with $15.5bn expected from private investors. These funds will be directed towards expanding power generation, strengthening transmission and distribution networks, and integrating distributed renewable energy solutions,” he explained.
Recognizing that achieving universal energy access requires collective effort, the government urged development partners, philanthropists, and private investors to contribute to the “transformative” journey.
“By implementing the action plan in the National Energy Compact, Nigeria is positioning itself as a leader in Africa’s energy transition while creating opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and industrialisation.
“As the Mission 300 initiative gains momentum, Nigeria’s strong commitment to energy sector reforms, infrastructure expansion, and investment mobilisation will be crucial in shaping the future of electricity access across the continent,” he added.
Despite having a population exceeding 200 million, Nigeria continues to struggle with an electricity supply of just 4,500 megawatts. Efforts in 2024 to increase power generation to 6,000MW failed due to widespread vandalism and frequent grid collapses.
Currently, over 250 companies and institutions have disconnected from the national grid, opting to generate their own electricity, highlighting ongoing challenges in the sector.
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