In its bid to close the electricity gap in Nigeria, the Federal Government has unveiled an ambitious energy access programme to transform Nigeria’s energy sector.
It said the programme will require $23.2bn, out of which $15.5bn will be provided by the private sector.
A statement by the spokesperson to the Minister of Power, Bolaji Tunji, disclosed that the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, is spearheading the programme.
Tunji said the programme is also fallout from the just-concluded Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit held in Dar es Salam, Tanzania.
The two-day summit, which brought together African leaders, business executives, and development partners to advance the continent’s ambitious energy agenda was hosted by the Government of Tanzania, the African Union, the African Development Bank Group, and the World Bank Group, and aims to accelerate electricity access for 300 million Africans by 2030.
“Through the energy access programme, tagged National Energy Compact, the government aims to increase electricity access from four per cent to nine per cent annually to close the energy gap, 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 explained.
He added that the efforts align with UN Sustainable Development Goal 7, which seeks to ensure universal access to modern energy services.
While unveiling the programme, the minister said it would 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 had said.
Adelabu reportedly noted that while the roadmap for expansion is clear, challenges such as vandalism of power infrastructure pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s electrification efforts.
He expressed worry that transmission towers, pipelines, and distribution equipment are being targeted, disrupting supply and deterring potential investors.
The minister emphasised that protecting power assets is crucial to ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply and sustaining progress, adding that, “the government is intensifying efforts to curb vandalism through enhanced security, stricter penalties, and improved surveillance technologies.”
According to him, achieving Nigeria’s electrification targets requires significant investment, and the government is prioritising private sector participation to unlock additional resources.
“The compact outlines a $23.2bn investment target, with $15.5bn expected from private investors. These funds will be directed toward expanding power generation, strengthening transmission and distribution networks, and integrating distributed renewable energy solutions,” he said.
Recognising that achieving universal energy access demands collective action, the government called on development partners, philanthropies, and the private sector to join 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 and 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.
The PUNCH reports that Nigeria, with over 200 million population is still struggling with 4,500 megawatts of electricity.
Efforts made in 2024 to ramp up power to 6,000MW were unsuccessful due to vandalism and incessant grid collapses.
At the moment, over 250 companies and institutions have dumped the national grid to generate their own electricity.
