Over 20 Million Nigerians To Benefit From FG’s Clean Power Access Programme – REA
More than 21 million Nigerians are set to benefit from expanded access to clean and reliable electricity under the Nigeria Electrification Programme (NEP), a document from the Rural Electricity Agency (REA) has disclosed.
NEP is a flagship Federal Government initiative implemented in partnership with the World Bank to drive the country’s transition toward net-zero emissions.
The programme, which is private sector–driven, is designed to bridge Nigeria’s energy access gap by providing power to households, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Through the deployment of mini grids, standalone solar home systems (SHS), rooftop solar, captive power plants, and productive-use appliances, NEP aims to expand off-grid electricity access while promoting sustainability and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
“So far, the initiative has recorded notable achievements — with 176 mini grids deployed across Nigeria, impacting over 7.8 million Nigerians and installing 94 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic (PV) capacity.
“More than 1.1 million households and 11,400 MSMEs have received new or improved electricity services, including 470,000 female-headed households and 3,600 female-managed MSMEs.
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“The programme also aligns with the Federal Government’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP), which envisions replacing 288,000 diesel and petrol generators, providing reliable electricity to 237,000 MSMEs and agribusinesses, and catalysing the off-grid market to ensure lasting energy access’’, document stated.
It stated further that a new phase, known as Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES), is expected to further deepen NEP’s impact.
“DARES aims to deliver 465MW of PV capacity, reach 17.5 million additional Nigerians, and connect 3.2 million households to new or improved electricity services.
“By advancing the path to net-zero, the NEP is not only powering communities but also transforming lives across the country’s rural landscape,’’ the document stated.
