Nigeria has made major progress in expanding access to electricity through renewable energy, with about six million people now connected via over 170 mini-grids and 1.2 million stand-alone solar systems, according to a new World Bank report.
The 2025 Tracking SDG7: Energy Progress Report highlights how Nigeria is emerging as a leader in decentralised energy, despite still facing the largest electricity access gap in the world.
These clean energy efforts are part of Mission 300, a global push to improve energy access through off-grid systems. The report says Nigeria’s growing mini-grid sector has become one of the most active in Africa, supported by better policies, increased funding, and rising investor confidence.
In just two years, the average number of connections per mini-grid in Nigeria nearly doubled—from 244 to 458—thanks to improved regulations and concessional financing. The sector is also creating jobs: over 6,000 roles have been generated by 27 mini-grid companies, particularly in rural areas.
However, challenges remain. High costs, weak infrastructure, and a slow regulatory process continue to slow down expansion. While global mini-grid costs are falling, Sub-Saharan Africa—including Nigeria—still faces higher expenses due to logistics and low population density in remote areas.
The report also reveals a mismatch in data: while the Nigerian government claims over 150 million people have access to electricity, the World Bank estimates that 86.8 million Nigerians still live without it, making the country the world’s most energy-poor nation for the third year running.
International funding has surged to support Nigeria’s off-grid sector. In 2023, Nigeria received $829 million in public clean energy investment, ranking fifth globally. Most of that, $698 million, came from a World Bank initiative, while the European Union contributed $35 million to renewable energy projects for farming zones.
Still, the World Bank warns that delays in releasing pledged funds and sluggish regulatory approvals could stall progress. It recommends streamlined regulations and smarter financing tools to help Nigeria reach its energy goals faster.
In summary, while Nigeria’s renewable energy drive is gaining momentum and attracting global support, a faster and more efficient rollout is needed to close the country’s massive electricity access gap.
