The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, has announced that Nigeria's decentralised energy initiatives are yielding tangible improvements in access and productivity. In some locations, interconnected mini-grids have increased customer connections by more than 95 percent while also enhancing energy consumption for economic activities.
Key remarks from energy forums
Speaking at separate events in Nairobi and Lagos, Aliyu underscored that the next phase of Nigeria's electrification efforts must transcend basic access to concentrate on powering livelihoods, industries, and sustainable growth.
“Across Nigeria, access to reliable electricity remains one of the strongest drivers of development, productivity, and opportunity,” he stated, setting the stage for a renewed focus on aligning energy access with economic outcomes.
Impact of decentralised renewable systems
At the Energy Access Investment Forum in Nairobi, where he delivered opening remarks at a session on Business Models and Pilot Projects, Aliyu noted that experience from REA's interventions demonstrates that decentralised renewable systems are more effective when designed to support productive use.
“At the Rural Electrification Agency, our work has shown that renewable energy must go beyond basic connections; it must drive real economic activity. This is where interconnected mini-grids have proven particularly impactful. By combining solar generation, battery storage, and grid integration, these systems are delivering more reliable power, increasing customer connections by over 95 percent, and significantly boosting energy consumption for productive use,” he said.
Role of the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme
The REA boss highlighted the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS) as a key initiative for scaling such outcomes. He explained that this model not only improves reliability but also reduces dependence on diesel generation in underserved communities.
“Through initiatives like the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS), we are seeing how these models can reduce reliance on diesel, improve service quality, and create value not just for communities, but also for utilities,” he added.
Need for collaboration
Aliyu emphasised that technology and capital alone are insufficient to unlock the full potential of Nigeria's off-grid market. He stressed the necessity of coordinated action among stakeholders.
“From our experience in Nigeria, one thing is clear: success in this sector requires more than technology or funding. It demands strong collaboration between developers, DisCos, communities, and policymakers, backed by adaptive regulation and long-term commitment,” Aliyu said.
Global lessons and future outlook
Highlighting lessons from international engagements, he noted that platforms promoting practical knowledge-sharing remain critical to refining deployment strategies and partnerships.
Aliyu maintained that while the opportunities in Nigeria's energy access space are significant, outcomes will depend on the quality of partnerships driving implementation.
