UN Praises Nigeria for Expanding Rural Energy Access

The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs recognized Nigeria as a successful model for expanding energy access in the World Social Report 2026. Through the Government of Nigeria and the Rural Electrification Agency, the Nigeria Electrification Project deployed 125 mini-grids and distributed over one million solar home systems, providing electricity to more than five million people and creating over 5,000 green jobs.

The UN report highlighted the use of innovative subsidy frameworks, lifeline tariffs, and pay-as-you-go financing to reduce costs for vulnerable populations. In a comparative analysis of 168 countries, Nigeria earned a combined index score of 100.67, reflecting its progress in transformation and inclusiveness. The report also identified Nigeria and Ghana as pioneers in agrivoltaics, the practice of integrating solar panels into agricultural land to support both food production and energy generation.

Rural Electrification Agency Managing Director Abba Aliyu stated that the international recognition validates the agency's efforts to build an energy ecosystem that drives economic productivity. The initiative is part of a broader renewable energy portfolio championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.