FG Reaffirms 30% Renewable Goal, Supports Mini-Grid Link

The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving 30 per cent renewable energy contribution to Nigeria’s electricity mix by 2030.

It described universal access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity as a national imperative.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Alhaji Mahmuda Mamman, stated this in Abuja at a stakeholder consultation on the draft Guidelines for Interconnecting Solar Mini-Grids to Distribution Networks.

It was convened by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) under the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP).

The one-day forum brought together key players across the power value chain, including the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Distribution Companies (DisCos), Rural Electrification Agency (REA), solar developers, and renewable energy associations to harmonise inputs and strengthen the framework for safer, smarter, and more sustainable grid integration.

Mamman commended NEMSA, GIZ, and their partners from the European Union and German Government for organising what he described as a “timely and forward-looking dialogue.”

He said the ongoing energy transition demands coordinated efforts to scale renewable energy deployment, particularly solar mini-grids, which have become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s clean energy agenda.

“Achieving universal access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity remains a national imperative.

This consultation provides a crucial platform to develop a harmonised and enforceable framework for integrating mini-grids into the national distribution network safely, reliably, and sustainably,” Mamman said.

In his welcome remarks, NEMSA Managing Director and Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation, Engr. Aliyu Tukur Tahir, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to safety, technical excellence, and innovation in the power sector.

He noted that structured interconnection between solar mini-grids and the main grid must uphold the highest safety and operational standards.

“Our objective is to provide a framework that enhances access, protects investments, and guarantees safety across the electricity value chain. The guidelines we are reviewing today will serve as a roadmap for safe, seamless, and sustainable grid integration,” he said.

Representatives of the European Union, GIZ, and NESP pledged their continued support for Nigeria’s renewable energy goals through technical assistance and capacity development