Nigeria is set to significantly expand its electricity capacity with the development of 40 interconnected mini-grid projects expected to inject 288 megawatts (MW) into the national grid.
According to Punch Newspapers, the initiative is being driven by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) following recent reforms in the country’s renewable energy regulations.
Speaking at the 2026 Energy Times Awards, REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu described the updated mini-grid framework as a major breakthrough that will accelerate distributed energy deployment and improve electricity access across underserved communities.
The revised regulations, developed in collaboration with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), introduce key changes including:
Expansion of mini-grid capacity limits
Creation of a structured framework for interconnected systems
Streamlined licensing and environmental approval processes
These reforms are expected to encourage investment and enable developers to deploy larger renewable energy projects without requiring special regulatory waivers.
Aliyu explained that the interconnected mini-grids will play a crucial role in stabilising the national grid while also helping to close Nigeria’s electricity access gap, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
He added that the projects will incorporate battery storage systems, allowing renewable energy to contribute more reliably to the national power mix.
The initiative signals a shift toward utility-scale distributed renewable energy, with experts noting that such systems can complement traditional grid infrastructure and improve overall energy resilience.
With millions of Nigerians still lacking consistent access to electricity, the rollout of these mini-grid projects is expected to support economic activities, improve living standards, and drive sustainable energy development across the country.