The United Nations and the Nigerian Government have strengthened their collaboration to improve renewable energy through mini-grid solutions to enhance industrialisation and economic development in Africa.
Speaking during the launch of the Africa Minigrids Programme, Nigeria pilot project in Abuja, on Thursday, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Fall, said access to renewable energy is about development, industrialisation, jobs, and opportunity—especially for women and young people.
He noted that the United Nations is proud to work alongside the Government, the Rural Electrification Agency, development partners, the private sector, and communities to advance sustainable energy as one of our six transformation pathways to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“For Africa, the energy transition is about far more than decarbonization. It is about development, industrialisation, jobs, and opportunity—especially for women and young people.”
Fall noted that “Nigeria is uniquely positioned to lead this transition, with abundant renewable resources, a vibrant private sector and enormous economic potential.”
He said further that the Africa Minigrid Programme “demonstrates what is possible. Mini-grids are not just energy solutions—they are development solutions. They power schools, health centres, farms and businesses, unlocking livelihoods, strengthening rural economies and connecting communities to opportunity.
“Their success reflects the power of partnership. I commend the Government of Nigeria, the Rural Electrification Agency, UNDP, our development partners, investors, technical experts and local communities for making this initiative possible.”
Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, in his remarks, said mini-grids remain one of the most effective and sustainable solutions for bridging Nigeria’s electricity access gap.
He assured that the Government will continue to place rural electrification at the centre of Nigeria’s energy development agenda.
He said: “Access to reliable electricity remains one of the strongest drivers of economic transformation. It powers education, healthcare, agriculture, commerce, digital innovation, and industrial development. For rural communities especially, access to electricity determines whether businesses can thrive, schools can offer quality education, health centres can preserve vaccines, and whether young people can find meaningful economic opportunities within their communities.”
On her part, the UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa, Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa, challenged Nigeria to scale up renewable energy for all.
Eziakonwa noted that Nigeria has the advantage of leveraging global funding for renewable energy to scale up national access to electricity.
She noted that Nigeria has demonstrated competence and capacity with the level of investment already carried out.
