Nigeria has taken another major step toward expanding electricity access as the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) announced that 48 interconnected mini-grid projects are currently under construction across 19 states.
According to the agency, the projects are being implemented under the Interconnected Mini-Grid (IMG) regulatory framework introduced by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). The initiative is designed to move Nigeria’s off-grid electricity sector beyond small-scale pilot programmes into a more structured, utility-scale market capable of delivering reliable power to underserved communities.
The announcement was made by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the REA, Abba Aliyu, during a benchmarking visit by officials from the Zanzibar Utilities Regulatory Authority (ZURA) to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
Aliyu described the interconnected mini-grid programme as a clear demonstration that well-designed regulatory reforms can produce tangible infrastructure projects, create employment opportunities and improve electricity access for communities that have historically remained outside the national grid.
Projects Span 19 States and 10 Distribution Companies
Providing details of the programme, Aliyu explained that the 48 interconnected mini-grid sites are spread across 19 states and involve collaboration with 10 electricity distribution companies (DisCos).
Rather than being implemented as isolated projects, the mini-grids are being deployed under a unified national programme guided by the regulatory framework established by NERC.
He noted that the coordinated approach provides a more sustainable model for expanding electricity infrastructure while ensuring better integration with existing power distribution networks.
The interconnected mini-grid model allows independent power systems to work alongside existing electricity distribution infrastructure, helping to deliver reliable electricity to areas where extending the national grid may not be economically viable.
Regulatory Reforms Driving Infrastructure Development
Aliyu said the IMG regulatory framework represents an important milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to improve energy access and modernise its electricity sector.
According to him, the framework has created an enabling environment that encourages investment in off-grid electricity solutions while providing clear regulatory guidelines for developers and electricity distribution companies.
He stressed that the success of the programme demonstrates how effective regulation can accelerate infrastructure development and support broader economic growth.
The REA boss also noted that the initiative is expected to generate employment opportunities during both the construction and operational phases while improving access to electricity for businesses, schools, healthcare facilities and households in underserved communities.
Expanding reliable electricity access remains a key priority for Nigeria as millions of citizens continue to face limited or unreliable power supply.
Mini-Grids Expected to Improve Rural Electrification
Mini-grid systems have increasingly become an important component of Nigeria’s rural electrification strategy because they can provide electricity to remote communities without waiting for costly national grid expansion.
The interconnected model further enhances this approach by allowing the systems to operate in partnership with existing electricity distribution networks, creating greater flexibility and improving overall service delivery.
Industry stakeholders believe that scaling up interconnected mini-grid deployment could significantly reduce energy poverty while supporting local economic development through improved power availability.
The ongoing projects are expected to strengthen electricity access across multiple regions while contributing to Nigeria’s broader energy transition objectives.
Zanzibar Delegation Visits REA for Knowledge Exchange
The announcement coincided with a benchmarking visit by a delegation from the Zanzibar Utilities Regulatory Authority (ZURA), which sought to learn from Nigeria’s experience in electricity regulation and system management.
Speaking during the visit, the leader of the delegation and a World Bank Consultant at ZURA, Dr. William Gboney, said the visit was organised to facilitate knowledge sharing between both institutions.
According to Gboney, the discussions focused on critical areas of electricity sector management, including system dispatch, grid stability management, balancing operations and coordination mechanisms used in Nigeria’s power sector.
He noted that the exchange would provide valuable insights that could support Zanzibar’s efforts to strengthen its electricity regulatory and operational framework.
The visit also reflects growing international interest in Nigeria’s evolving off-grid electricity policies and regulatory innovations.
Growing Confidence in Nigeria’s Off-Grid Power Market
The construction of 48 interconnected mini-grid projects across 19 states signals increasing confidence in Nigeria’s off-grid electricity market and highlights the role of regulatory reforms in attracting investment.
As implementation progresses, stakeholders expect the programme to improve electricity reliability, stimulate local economic activities and expand access to clean and dependable power for thousands of Nigerians living in underserved communities.
With support from regulators, distribution companies and development partners, the interconnected mini-grid framework is positioning Nigeria to accelerate rural electrification while building a more resilient and inclusive electricity system.
