By Abbas Nazil
The Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) has called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, regulators, financial institutions, development partners and private investors to accelerate the country’s renewable energy transition and unlock the sector’s full economic potential.
Speaking at the Solar & Storage Live Nigeria 2026 conference, REAN President Ayo Ademilua described renewable energy as an essential component of Nigeria’s future energy mix, stressing that the country has reached a defining stage in the development of its clean energy industry.
He said the next phase of the nation’s energy transition should focus on expanding local manufacturing, improving access to affordable financing, strengthening technical capacity, promoting innovation, enforcing quality standards and creating a policy environment that encourages sustained private sector investment.
Ademilua noted that achieving these priorities would require closer cooperation among all stakeholders to support the growth of renewable energy projects capable of improving electricity access, creating jobs and stimulating economic development.
The conference brought together senior government officials, policymakers, regulatory agencies, development finance institutions, renewable energy companies, investors and other industry stakeholders to identify practical strategies for expanding clean energy deployment across Nigeria.
Held at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, the two-day event served as a platform for participants to move beyond discussions on energy access and focus on practical actions needed to strengthen Nigeria’s renewable energy market.
Leading REAN’s participation at the conference, the association’s Chief Executive Officer, Motunrayo Akinfala, coordinated stakeholder engagements and strategic partnerships while overseeing the organisation’s activities as the event’s official partner.
Akinfala said Nigeria has already made important progress in developing renewable energy policies but emphasised that the sector must now prioritise implementation to deliver tangible results.
She stated that the industry has spent years developing policies, building partnerships and holding discussions, adding that the time has come to translate those efforts into concrete actions that expand energy access across the country.
According to her, immediate priorities include mobilising greater investment, supporting indigenous renewable energy businesses, strengthening quality assurance, enforcing industry standards and delivering reliable clean energy solutions capable of improving the lives of millions of Nigerians.
Throughout the conference, participants examined several issues considered critical to the future of Nigeria’s renewable energy industry.
Discussions focused on attracting long-term investment, providing fiscal incentives, promoting local content development, expanding state electricity markets, improving access to finance, strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity and developing the skilled workforce required to sustain industry growth.
Stakeholders also explored the increasing importance of battery storage technologies in meeting Nigeria’s rising electricity demand while supporting the integration of renewable energy into the national power system.
Participants further highlighted the need for stronger regulatory enforcement to eliminate substandard solar products from the Nigerian market.
They called for improved product certification, enhanced installer competency and increased public awareness to ensure consumers have access to safe, reliable and high-quality renewable energy technologies.
At the close of the conference, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration, strengthening policy implementation and creating a more supportive business environment that encourages investment and accelerates renewable energy deployment nationwide.
REAN also reiterated its commitment to working closely with government, regulators, investors, development partners and industry members to advance policies and initiatives that expand energy access, stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities and support Nigeria’s transition to a more sustainable, resilient and inclusive energy future.
