UN Applauds Nigeria's Energy Access Efforts in 2026

A United Nations report commended Nigeria for its achievements in enhancing energy access at lower costs through innovative subsidy frameworks and strategic off-grid interventions, connecting over 5 million people and creating more than 5,000 green jobs. The report, part of the UN's World Social Report 2026: The New Economics of Social Inclusion, highlighted the Rural Electrification Agency's (REA) role in expanding modern energy infrastructure to underserved communities.

It praised Nigeria and Ghana for leading agrivoltaics projects that integrate solar installations on farmlands, allowing for simultaneous food and energy production. The Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) was cited as a model policy, with the strategic subsidization of rural mini-grids lowering retail tariffs for vulnerable populations and unlocking private capital.

The initiative has facilitated the deployment of 125 mini-grids and over one million Solar Home Systems. Abba Aliyu, Managing Director and CEO of the REA, stated that rural electrification is about building an energy ecosystem that enhances economic productivity and livelihoods, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting renewable energy initiatives.