The Federal Government of Nigeria has proudly announced that it has successfully drawn over $2 billion in investments in the renewable energy sector over the past ten years.

This achievement was revealed by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), which also highlighted the strategic partnerships that have played a significant role in advancing these accomplishments.

Collaborations with notable organizations, such as the World Bank, African Development Bank, Global Alliance for People and Planet, Rocky Mountain Institute, Japan International Cooperation Agency, Sustainable Energy for ALL, Agence Française de Développement, United Kingdom Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility, European Union, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, Global Environment Facility, United States Agency for International Development, and others, have been instrumental in driving progress.

Mutari Ibrahim, the Director of Promotion and Outreach, disclosed that from 2020 to the present, the REA has provided electricity access to over 7.5 million people, including 1.5 million households.

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This has been achieved through the delivery of 130 mini-grid projects, 1.3 million standalone home systems, and the deployment of over 1,650 kilometers of solar streetlights, which have enhanced power availability, security, and economic growth in rural areas.

The agency also successfully completed 1,403 projects under the capital budget, encompassing solar streetlights, mini-grid projects, standalone home systems, and grid extension initiatives.

Various programs, including the Energizing Education Programme, Energizing Agriculture Programme, Beyond COVID-19, and Economic Clusters, have enabled the delivery of over 65 megawatts of power across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.

In the process, REA has electrified numerous communities, created 500,000 new jobs, and attracted over $2 billion in investments within the renewable energy sector over the last decade.

Furthermore, the REA secured an additional N4 billion in capital injection grants in 2022, as part of the National Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy program.

These grants are earmarked for providing clean power standalone home systems to over 50,000 locations, encompassing rural homes, micro-businesses, schools, and faith-based institutions.

The agency has also successfully negotiated and secured advance approval for a $750 million facility with the World Bank to expand renewable and rural electrification initiatives, providing additional resources to Nigeria during challenging times.

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In response to subsidy removal, the REA is actively implementing interventions aimed at developing electric mobility, mini-grids, distributing home systems, and deploying streetlights, with the potential to support up to 250,000 households in the coming year.