The Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) has issued a strong call to industry stakeholders to abandon lengthy discussions and take immediate, concrete steps to expand clean energy investment and deployment across the country. The appeal came during the Solar & Storage Live Nigeria 2026 conference, held at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos from July 28 to 29.
The Call for Concrete Action
REAN, which served as the Official Partner for the two-day global conference and exhibition, brought together senior government officials, regulators, investors, development finance institutions, manufacturers, and renewable energy companies from Nigeria and abroad. The focus was on identifying practical pathways to grow the nation's renewable energy market.
Speaking at the event, REAN President Ayo Ademilua declared that the sector has reached a defining moment. He stressed that solar energy and battery storage are now indispensable components of Nigeria's future energy mix and called for stronger collaboration among government, regulators, financial institutions, and the private sector.
Priorities for the Energy Transition
Ademilua outlined several critical priorities for the next phase of Nigeria's energy transition: boosting local manufacturing, ensuring affordable financing, strengthening technical capacity, enforcing quality assurance, and creating a supportive policy environment. These elements, he argued, are essential for sustainable growth.
REAN's Chief Executive Officer, Motunrayo Akinfala, who coordinated the association's engagement throughout the event, reinforced the urgent need for implementation. She delivered a clear message: the time for deliberation is over.
"The time has come for us to move from talk to action. We have held the conversations, developed policies, and built strong partnerships. Our priority now must be accelerating implementation, mobilizing investment, supporting local businesses, enforcing quality standards, and delivering reliable clean energy solutions that positively impact millions of Nigerians," Akinfala said.
Key Issues Raised at the Conference
Over the two days, participants examined a range of pressing topics. These included attracting long-term investment, introducing fiscal incentives and local content policies, expanding state electricity markets, increasing access to finance, strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity, and developing a skilled workforce to support industry growth.
Delegates also raised alarm over the circulation of substandard solar products in the Nigerian market. They called for tighter regulatory enforcement, improved certification systems, stronger installer competency requirements, and greater consumer awareness to protect the integrity of the sector.
Commitment to Collaboration
The conference concluded with a shared commitment from all stakeholders to deepen collaboration, support consistent policy implementation, and create a business environment that accelerates the rollout of renewable energy solutions across Nigeria. This unified stance signals a new level of urgency in the country's energy transition.
Previously, the Federal Government announced plans to license a new category of electricity providers that will compete with existing distribution companies. The initiative, led by the Rural Electrification Agency, is expected to reshape Nigeria's electricity sector over the next decade by expanding access to clean, uninterrupted power through large-scale renewable energy projects.
