- The partners involved in the agreement signed the MoU to enhance and expedite the development of mini-grids in Nigeria
The Federal Government announced on Tuesday that there are currently over 100 operational mini-electricity grids spread across Nigeria, solidifying the country’s position as one of the largest mini-grid markets in Africa.
This information was revealed through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), a federal government organization, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between REA and the Africa Mini-Grid Developers Association in Abuja.
The partners involved in the agreement signed the MoU to enhance and expedite the development of mini-grids in Nigeria. The focus of this collaboration includes knowledge exchange, capacity enhancement, improved sector coordination, and other key initiatives.
“Nigeria has one of the largest mini-grid markets in Africa, with over 100 mini-grids currently in operation primarily through the implementation of data-driven programmes and initiatives of the Rural Electrification Agency,” the Managing Director, REA, Ahmad Salihijo, stated.
He, however, stated that due to the energy access gap across the country, there was still a significant need for more decentralised energy interventions to bridge the energy deficit and catalyse socio-economic growth, particularly in rural underserved communities.
Salihijo said the REA had over the years expanded its partnership portfolio, while collaborating with stakeholders across the off-grid energy value chain.
He noted that with the pivotal role and sustained impact of AMDA in Africa’s renewable energy space, the REA and AMDA partnership was a significant step forward for the mini-grid sector in Nigeria.