The Federal Government, in partnership with international development organisations, has inaugurated 23 solar-powered mini-grids to expand electricity access in underserved rural communities, with about 50,000 Nigerians expected to benefit from the initiative.
The projects were unveiled on Thursday, July 2, 2026, during the official launch of the pilot phase of the Africa Mini-Grids Programme National Project in Abuja, themed “Powering Agricultural Value Chains and Stimulating State Energy Markets.”
The initiative is being implemented through a partnership involving the Rural Electrification Agency, the United Nations Development Programme and the Global Environment Facility to promote clean energy and improve livelihoods in rural communities.
Speaking at the event, Joseph Tegbe said the inauguration marked a significant step in the country’s drive to achieve universal access to sustainable electricity.
“The programme represents more than the commissioning of mini-grid infrastructure.”
“It represents the power of partnership, innovation, and our shared commitment to expanding sustainable energy across Nigeria,” Tegbe said.
He said the projects would provide reliable electricity to about 50,000 people, more than 20,000 households and thousands of businesses, particularly in communities that have remained outside the national grid.
“We are not just talking about 23 mini-grids.”
“We are talking about 50,000 people, more than 20,000 households and thousands of businesses whose lives will be changed,” he said.
According to Tegbe, the mini-grids are expected to strengthen agricultural value chains, improve healthcare and education services, support small businesses and reduce dependence on diesel-powered generators.
He described renewable energy as a key component of Nigeria’s electricity future.
“Renewable energy, especially solar technology, is not an alternative source of power.”
“t is an integral part of our national power architecture,” Tegbe said.
The minister also disclosed that Nigeria has recorded another milestone in its clean energy transition.
“Today in Nigeria, for the first time, we have a solar farm producing 200 megawatts of electricity,” he said.
Tegbe said the government plans to expand the programme with the rollout of an additional 50 mini-grids to further improve electricity access across the country.
Providing an example of the programme’s impact, he said the installation of a solar mini-grid in Namu community, Plateau State, had reduced production costs for local rice processors by more than 50 per cent after years of dependence on diesel-powered generators.
Abba Aliyu said the initiative was designed to connect electricity directly to productive economic activities while encouraging private sector investment in rural electrification.
“The Africa Mini-Grids Programme connects electricity directly to productive economic activities while leveraging public funding to attract private sector investment,” Aliyu said.
Aliyu added that the 23 mini-grid projects were completed within one year of approval, with about 73 per cent delivered within three months after award letters were issued.
Elsie Attafuah said access to electricity extends beyond lighting homes, describing it as a critical driver of economic development.
“For too long, energy has been discussed primarily as an infrastructure challenge.”
“Today reminds us that energy is also economic infrastructure,” Attafuah said.
She noted that reliable electricity powers farms, schools, hospitals, factories and small businesses while creating opportunities for investment, job creation and inclusive economic growth.
Mohammed Fall also underscored the importance of sustainable energy to development.
“Without sustainable energy, sustainable development remains out of reach,” Fall said.
The Africa Mini-Grids Programme operates in 21 African countries and is designed to accelerate access to clean, reliable and affordable electricity while attracting private sector investment into renewable energy projects across the continent.