The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Dr. Abba Aliyu, has called on Nigerian households and businesses to embrace mini-grid solutions as a sustainable alternative to self-generation, warning that the country spends an estimated $14 billion annually on generating electricity through private diesel and petrol-powered generators.
Aliyu said the enormous expenditure on self-generation reflects the urgent need to accelerate the deployment of reliable, affordable, and cleaner electricity solutions capable of meeting the country’s growing energy demand.
Furthermore, he noted that expanding mini-grid infrastructure would significantly reduce energy costs while improving electricity access for millions of Nigerians.
Reducing Dependence on Generators
According to the REA Managing Director, excessive reliance on generators has become one of the biggest financial burdens facing households and businesses.
Furthermore, many Nigerians spend substantial amounts on fuel, generator maintenance, and repairs due to inconsistent electricity supply.
He explained that transitioning to mini-grids would reduce these recurring expenses while providing more reliable and environmentally friendly power.
Lower energy costs support economic growth.
Mini-Grids Offer Sustainable Alternative
Aliyu described mini-grids as an important component of Nigeria’s long-term electricity strategy.
Furthermore, these decentralised power systems can deliver reliable electricity to communities, commercial centres, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and industrial clusters without depending entirely on the national grid.
Mini-grids improve energy reliability while supporting local economic activities.
Supporting Businesses and Households
The REA boss explained that affordable electricity remains essential for improving productivity across various sectors of the economy.
Furthermore, reliable power enables businesses to reduce operational costs, increase production, improve competitiveness, and create additional employment opportunities.
Households also benefit from improved living standards through consistent electricity access.
Reliable power transforms communities.
Driving Private Sector Investment
Aliyu reiterated that mini-grid development presents significant opportunities for private sector investment.
Furthermore, Nigeria’s growing demand for electricity creates an attractive market for investors willing to finance renewable energy infrastructure and decentralised power projects.
Public-private collaboration remains central to expanding electricity access nationwide.
Investment accelerates infrastructure development.
Advancing Renewable Energy
The REA continues promoting renewable energy technologies as part of the Federal Government’s strategy for improving electricity supply.
Furthermore, many mini-grid projects rely on solar energy and other clean technologies that reduce dependence on fossil fuels while supporting environmental sustainability.
Renewable energy contributes to long-term energy security.
Supporting National Development
Improved electricity access remains critical to Nigeria’s broader economic transformation agenda.
Furthermore, expanding mini-grid deployment will support education, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, digital services, and other productive sectors that require reliable electricity to operate efficiently.
Energy access strengthens national competitiveness.
Building a Financially Sustainable Electricity Market
Aliyu also reaffirmed the importance of developing a commercially viable electricity market capable of attracting long-term investment.
Furthermore, reducing dependence on costly self-generation allows resources currently spent on fuel and generator maintenance to be redirected toward productive investments that stimulate economic growth.
Sustainable energy financing supports long-term sector stability.
Towards a More Reliable Energy Future
Dr. Abba Aliyu’s call for wider adoption of mini-grids reflects the Rural Electrification Agency’s continued efforts to transform Nigeria’s electricity sector through innovative and decentralised energy solutions.
Furthermore, reducing the country’s estimated $14 billion annual spending on self-generation would lower operating costs for businesses, improve household welfare, encourage private investment, expand renewable energy adoption, and accelerate progress toward universal electricity access and sustainable national development.
