The Nigerian government is set to invest $100 billion in solar mini-grids to power government buildings, federal universities, and teaching hospitals, with the initiative aimed at providing reliable, cost-effective, and climate-friendly energy solutions. This allocation is part of the 2025 Budget, which is currently awaiting approval from the National Assembly.
Abba Aliyu, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), shared details of the project in a recent interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief. He explained that once the budget is passed and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, his agency will begin installing solar mini-grids across key public institutions.
The funding, which is provided through the Federal Ministry of Power’s National Public Sector Solarization Initiative, is designed to reduce the cost of governance by cutting down on the use of expensive and environmentally harmful diesel generators. Aliyu noted that a substantial portion of public funds is spent on fueling generators, and this project aims to eliminate that reliance while promoting cleaner, sustainable energy.
Aliyu emphasized the urgency of the initiative, saying that solar power would bring reliable and uninterrupted electricity to government institutions. He further assured that within six months, his agency would have deployed mini-grids to at least five universities, beginning with the University of Ibadan and the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. Plans are also underway for the University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Ahmadu Bello University.
The REA boss highlighted ongoing efforts to address the power needs of major universities and teaching hospitals, noting recent successes such as the hybrid mini-grids installed at seven universities and two teaching hospitals. Aliyu cited the University of Maiduguri, where a 12-megawatt capacity mini-grid now powers the teaching hospital and the city’s only water treatment facility.
This ambitious project is expected to make a significant impact on Nigeria’s power infrastructure, enhancing the sustainability of public institutions while contributing to the country’s broader climate goals. Aliyu added that his agency would commission at least 60 mini-grids and begin deploying 40 interconnect grids to enhance reliability in the coming months.
By focusing on solar power, the government is not only addressing the pressing energy needs of public institutions but also taking a step towards cleaner, greener energy solutions for the nation.
