Key players in Nigeria’s energy sector have come together to address the hurdles hindering the growth of mini grids in the country. During a high-level policy dialogue named “Sustainability, Inclusiveness, and Governance of Mini grids in Africa (SIGMA)”, industry leaders voiced concerns over the slow pace of electricity access expansion through decentralized renewable energy solutions.
Hosted by the International Centre for Energy, Environment, and Development (ICEED), the event served as a platform to present and validate findings from a multi-year, multi-country SIGMA project supported by the UK. Ewah Eleri, the Nigeria Team Leader, emphasized the need for substantial growth in mini grids to meet Nigeria’s electricity access goals.
Temilade Sesan, Co-Investigator of the project in Nigeria, highlighted the importance of reevaluating the roles of market forces and government in delivering electricity access through mini grids. Sesan stressed the necessity of effective governance for sustainable and equitable mini grid development.
Anthony Akene, Director of the Rural Electrification Fund, underscored the crucial role of mini grids in powering rural and hard-to-reach communities. He acknowledged challenges related to low-income levels and technical expertise in local communities, calling for greater intervention from government and stakeholders.
Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Power, Joshua Gana, commended the dialogue as a valuable platform for seeking solutions to electricity access challenges. Gana emphasized the importance of collaboration among government agencies, private sector entities, and local communities in successful mini-grid initiatives.
Senator Yunus Akintunde, Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Environment, stressed the significance of decentralized electricity governance in expanding energy access. He called for the establishment of electricity agencies at the local government level to enhance effective governance, planning, and monitoring of mini-grid development.
The high-level policy dialogue brought together senior officials from various government bodies, energy organizations, and civil society groups, fostering a collaborative effort to enhance electricity access in Nigeria.
