The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that electricity supply will improve significantly before the end of 2026 as it intensifies efforts to address long-standing challenges in the power sector.
Minister of Power, Chief Joseph Tegbe, gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja during the launch of the pilot phase of the Africa Mini-Grids Programme National Project, which is focused on expanding electricity access through renewable energy solutions.
According to the minister, the government is pursuing reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s electricity infrastructure while attracting new investments into the sector. He noted that discussions with international financial institutions and development partners have been ongoing to secure funding for key projects.
Tegbe said improving power supply would require bold policy decisions, stressing that the administration was prepared to take necessary steps to deliver lasting results.
He, however, appealed to Nigerians for patience, explaining that the problems facing the electricity industry had built up over several decades and could not be resolved within a short period.
The minister said the government was simultaneously upgrading the national transmission network and expanding off-grid electricity projects to ensure more communities gain access to reliable power.
As part of these efforts, 23 solar-powered mini-grid projects were unveiled under the Africa Mini-Grids Programme. The projects are expected to provide electricity to about 50,000 people in more than 20,000 households, while also supporting businesses, schools, healthcare centres and agricultural processing facilities in underserved communities.
Tegbe described electricity as a key driver of economic growth and national development, adding that the Federal Government remains committed to ensuring homes, businesses and public institutions receive more reliable power.
He also expressed confidence that Nigeria’s implementation of the Africa Mini-Grids Programme would serve as a model for other African countries seeking to expand renewable energy access. According to him, the country’s evolving regulatory framework and policies are helping to attract investment into the sector.
The minister called on development partners to continue supporting future phases of the programme, noting that millions of Nigerians still lack access to reliable electricity and would benefit from further expansion of mini-grid projects.
The Africa Mini-Grids Programme is a continent-wide initiative designed to increase access to clean energy through solar-powered mini-grids, with Nigeria serving as one of its flagship countries. The Federal Government says the programme complements ongoing efforts to strengthen the national grid while accelerating electricity access in rural communities.
