The head of Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, says solar power remains the most cost-effective and realistic option for expanding electricity access across the country.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, Aliyu explained that while the government is exploring other renewable options such as wind and biomass, solar technology currently offers the best balance of affordability and scalability.

He revealed that plans to scale up biomass projects were suspended after processing costs pushed electricity tariffs above acceptable levels. In contrast, solar projects have proven more financially sustainable. Aliyu also disclosed that the REA recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Wind Energy Council to pilot small-scale wind infrastructure that could complement solar in the future.

On the wider energy mix debate, Aliyu stressed that the agency’s priority is to adopt models that deliver reliable power at tariffs communities can sustain. He highlighted that in some rural areas, residents willingly pay between N250 and N280 per kilowatt-hour—far higher than the N209.50 Band A customers are charged—because the supply is stable and accessible through mobile payment systems.

“People in these communities value steady electricity and are ready to pay for it,” Aliyu said, adding that tariffs differ depending on the infrastructure deployed. In some areas, he noted, costs fall below Band A rates, but in others they rise significantly due to logistical challenges.

Aliyu’s remarks come as Nigeria intensifies efforts to diversify its power mix and reduce dependence on costly diesel and unreliable grid supply.