The Federal Government has begun implementing what officials describe as the largest publicly funded renewable electricity programme in the world.
The initiative is aimed at expanding electricity access through mini-grids, solar infrastructure, and off-grid electrification projects across Nigeria.
Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja while hosting a delegation from the National Judicial Institute at the agency’s headquarters.
The meeting focused on the possibility of deploying solar power solutions to support electricity supply at the institute’s training facilities.
According to Aliyu, the current administration is pursuing a structured and unprecedented approach to addressing Nigeria’s electricity access challenges.
He said the government is implementing a $750 million renewable electrification programme expected to attract about $1.1 billion in private sector investment.
The initiative will enable the deployment of 1,350 mini-grids across the country, including 250 interconnected mini-grids that will supply electricity directly to the national grid.
Aliyu said the programme represents a historic step toward solving the country’s power deficit.
“For the first time, we are witnessing the implementation of the biggest publicly funded renewable electricity project in the entire world. It is a $750m project that will catalyse $1.1bn private sector funding to deploy 1,350 mini-grids across the country,” he said.
He explained that the project would significantly improve electricity supply to underserved communities while supporting Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy.
Aliyu also revealed that the agency is executing several large-scale solar projects under the Energising Education Programme, which provides dedicated electricity supply to federal universities and teaching hospitals.
According to him, the agency has completed 15 projects under the programme.
He cited a project where 12 megawatts of solar power were deployed in a single university to power the campus, its teaching hospital, and a water treatment plant through a dedicated distribution network.
Solar power projects have already been delivered in several federal institutions, including the University of Maiduguri, Federal University Gashua in Yobe State, and the Federal University of Agriculture in Akure.
Other beneficiary institutions are located in Nasarawa, Kogi, Imo, Ebonyi, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states.
Aliyu added that eight additional solar projects have been developed and are awaiting implementation in institutions such as the University of Lagos, University of Ibadan Teaching Hospital, University of Nigeria Nsukka, the University of Benin, Federal University Wukari in Taraba State, and Federal University Dutse in Jigawa State.
He described the projects as a major expansion of renewable infrastructure across the country.
Aliyu also disclosed that the President has approved N100 billion for the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative.
The programme is designed to provide solar electricity to government institutions struggling with unreliable grid supply or high electricity costs.
According to him, installations have already started in several public institutions, including the Department of State Services, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, and the National Hospital in Abuja.
About 12 tertiary institutions across the country are also benefiting from the programme.
Aliyu said the initiative is meant to support public institutions that face challenges with electricity supply or high energy bills.
He assured the visiting delegation that the National Judicial Institute would also be considered for solar electrification under the programme.
According to him, the agency typically conducts energy audits to determine the optimal electricity capacity required before installing solar mini-grids.
