In a major move to fix Nigeria’s electricity problem, the Federal Government has launched an energy access programme to transform the power sector.
This programme will increase electricity access, promote renewable energy and clean cooking solutions for millions of Nigerians.
The government estimates it will cost $23.2 billion to implement this programme, with $15.5 billion coming from private investors.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu is leading the programme which was one of the outcomes of the just concluded Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The summit was hosted by the Tanzanian government in collaboration with the African Union, the African Development Bank Group and the World Bank Group and focused on accelerating electricity access for 300 million Africans by 2030. Nigeria’s participation was to address its own energy problems while contributing to regional electrification.
Big Plans for a Brighter Tomorrow
Through the National Energy Compact, the government plans to increase electricity access across the country.
The plan is to increase electricity availability from 4% to 9% annually, increase clean cooking access from 22% to 25% each year and increase the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix from 22% to 50%.
Achieving these targets will require government commitment and private sector funding for last mile electrification projects.
Minister Adelabu restated Nigeria’s commitment to universal energy access by 2030. He said while 150 million Nigerians have electricity, millions still don’t have reliable power so infrastructure expansion is a national priority.
Nigeria’s Power Sector Challenges
Despite these big plans, Nigeria’s power sector is still faced with many challenges, including vandalism of critical infrastructure.
Transmission towers, pipelines and distribution networks are being vandalized, causing supply disruptions and scaring away investors.
Adelabu expressed worry over these security threats, saying protecting power assets is key to progress.
So the government is increasing security around infrastructure, increasing penalties for vandalism and deploying smart technologies.
The minister said it will require a collective effort from government and private sector.
Private Sector Investment: The Game Changer
Government alone cannot achieve Nigeria’s electrification goals so private sector participation is key.
The $23.2 billion investment plan has $15.5 billion for private investment which will go into expanding power generation, strengthening transmission and distribution and integrating renewable energy solutions.
By opening up the sector to more private investment, government wants to improve efficiency, drive innovation and get energy to underserved communities.
The call is out to development partners, philanthropic organisations and investors to join this transformation.
The Power Struggle in Nigeria
Despite being the most populous country in Africa with over 200 million people, Nigeria is still grappling with power supply.
The country generates only about 4,500 megawatts – far below what is needed for industrial and domestic use.
Efforts to increase generation capacity to 6,000 megawatts in 2024 failed due to grid collapses and infrastructure vandalism.
Over 250 businesses and institutions have since pulled out of the national grid and are generating their own power to avoid disruptions.
The Road to Energy Security
The National Energy Compact is not just about electricity access; it’s Nigeria’s roadmap to leadership in the energy transition in Africa.
By executing this plan, Nigeria can unlock growth, create jobs and industrialise.
As the Mission 300 gains traction, Nigeria’s commitment to power sector reforms, infrastructure expansion and investment mobilisation will be key to shaping electricity access across the continent.
This will redefine Nigeria’s energy space and set a precedent for other African countries seeking energy security.