The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has raised concerns about the low number of renewable energy jobs in Nigeria, revealing that only around 70,000 people are employed in the sector—despite the country’s urgent energy access needs and vast green energy potential.
Speaking at the launch of the Next Generation Renewable (NextGen) Programme in Abuja, REA Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, said:> “Nigeria, with one of the highest populations lacking electricity access—estimated at 75 million people—has only created about 70,000 renewable energy jobs.
We need to change that narrative.”To tackle this challenge, the REA, in collaboration with the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) and the Energy Innovation and Empowerment Initiative (EIEI), has kicked off the NextGen Programme, aiming to equip 120 young Nigerians with the technical and leadership skills needed to boost the renewable sector.
Selected from over 10,000 applicants, the first cohort of trainees will undergo classroom instruction and a nine-month internship with leading renewable energy companies like Prado Power.> “We’re not just talking anymore; we’re walking the talk,” Aliyu added.
“This initiative alone is adding 120 jobs and a new pipeline of talent into the industry.”Aliyu also announced that the REA has mobilized over $1 billion in funding for renewable energy projects, including $200 million in co-financing, with plans to scale up solar panel manufacturing capacity from 110MW to 600MW.
Minister for Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented by Dr. Mariam Keshinro, stressed the importance of inclusivity, especially for women and youth.> “Empowering young people and women through access to energy innovation is key to national development,” she said.
The programme also promotes gender equity, with 60% of the selected trainees being women.NAPTIN Director General, Ahmed Bolaji Nagode, emphasized the urgency of building skilled manpower:
“We must build a workforce capable of sustaining and growing Nigeria’s renewable energy infrastructure.”Dr. Alex Tamulobian of EIEI described the programme as “a strategic investment in youth talent” and a bridge between academic knowledge and industrial relevance.
With only 320,000 renewable jobs across Africa, and Nigeria holding a small fraction despite its high energy deficit, stakeholders agreed that such initiatives are critical to achieving a just and sustainable energy transition.
