By Abbas Nazil
The United Nations and the Nigerian government have strengthened their collaboration to expand renewable energy access through mini-grid systems aimed at improving electricity supply, supporting industrial growth and driving broader economic development across Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
The partnership was highlighted during the launch of the Africa Minigrids Programme pilot project in Abuja, where officials stressed the importance of decentralised energy solutions in addressing persistent electricity access gaps, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Fall, said renewable energy access should not be seen only as an environmental goal but also as a major driver of development, job creation and economic opportunity, especially for women and young people.
He explained that the UN is working alongside the Nigerian government, the Rural Electrification Agency, development partners, private investors and local communities to scale up sustainable energy initiatives that align with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Fall noted that Africa’s energy transition is not limited to reducing carbon emissions, but is fundamentally about strengthening industrial capacity, creating jobs and improving living standards across the continent.
He added that Nigeria is well positioned to lead this transition due to its abundant renewable energy resources, growing private sector involvement and strong economic potential.
According to him, the Africa Minigrids Programme demonstrates how decentralised energy systems can serve as development tools that go beyond electricity provision to support education, healthcare, agriculture and small-scale enterprises in rural areas.
He said mini-grids help power schools, health facilities and farms while also enabling small businesses to expand, thereby strengthening local economies and improving livelihoods in underserved communities.
Fall commended the collaboration between the Nigerian government, the Rural Electrification Agency, the United Nations Development Programme, technical experts, investors and local communities, describing it as a strong model for sustainable energy development.
Nigeria’s Minister of Power said mini-grids remain one of the most practical and efficient solutions for closing the country’s electricity access gap, particularly in remote areas where extending the national grid is difficult and costly.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prioritising rural electrification as a key component of national energy planning, noting that reliable electricity is essential for driving economic transformation across all sectors.
He added that access to power supports education, healthcare services, agricultural productivity, commerce, digital innovation and industrial development, all of which are critical for national growth.
He further explained that in rural communities, electricity access determines whether schools can function effectively, whether health facilities can properly store vaccines and whether young people can access economic opportunities locally.
A senior UN official on Africa also urged Nigeria to scale up renewable energy deployment, noting that the country has the capacity to attract significant global financing for clean energy expansion.
She added that Nigeria has already shown strong progress in renewable energy investment and encouraged further scaling to ensure wider access to sustainable electricity across the population.
