馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Federal Government and UNDP complete 23 mini-grid projects benefiting 50,000 Nigerians
via Punch Nigeria14 min read
The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and the Global Environment Facility, has completed 23 solar mini-grid projects, providing electricity to approximately 50,000 Nigerians and over 20,000 households. Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, announced this at the launch of the Africa Mini-Grids Programme National Project pilot phase, emphasizing that these projects strengthen the national grid and accelerate off-grid energy deployment to underserved communities. The initiative supports businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and agricultural processing centers, transforming livelihoods and revitalizing local economies. Tegbe highlighted that renewable energy, particularly solar technology, is an integral part of Nigeria鈥檚 national power architecture, not merely an alternative. He noted that Nigeria aims to follow countries like Kenya, Morocco, and Egypt in significantly increasing renewable energy's contribution to electricity generation. Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, stated that the Africa Mini-Grids Programme connects electricity with productivity, targeting agricultural production and processing clusters. He cited the example of Namu community in Plateau State, where a solar mini-grid reduced production costs for local rice processors by over 50 percent. The projects were completed within a year, with 73 percent finished within three months of award letters being issued. UNDP Reside
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Must ReadThe Dangote Petroleum Refinery has lowered its ex-gantry price for Premium Motor Spirit petrol from N1,125 to N1,075 per litre. This N50 reduction marks the second price cut in seven days and is expected to increase competition in Nigeria's downstream petroleum sector. The refinery has also aligned its coastal loading price to N1,075 per litre, eliminating previous price differentials. A senior official from the refinery, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that this new pricing regime is part of efforts to make products more accessible and competitive. Additionally, the refinery has suspended its 20-member consortium arrangement, opening product loading to all qualified marketers to deepen market access and ensure seamless distribution. This development could lead to lower pump prices at filling stations, especially those sourcing directly from Dangote. The reduction comes amidst increasing competition and the Federal Government's efforts to ensure Nigerians benefit from the deregulated petroleum market. The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Oil, Heineken Lokpobiri, recently reiterated that market forces, not government directives, would determine fuel prices in a deregulated market, emphasizing that increased domestic refining capacity would lead to more competitive pricing. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission have also advocated for fair competition and transparency i
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Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, stated that President Bola Tinubu鈥檚 economic reforms have made Nigeria Africa鈥檚 most appealing investment destination. He highlighted that these reforms have enhanced macroeconomic stability and boosted investor confidence. Bagudu made these remarks during the Third Hamburg Sustainability Conference in Hamburg, Germany, according to a statement from the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. The minister emphasized that the reforms have increased Nigeria's attractiveness for long-term investments across various sectors, including infrastructure, energy, agriculture, manufacturing, digital innovation, and climate-resilient development. He reaffirmed the Federal Government's dedication to fostering an environment conducive to sustainable investment through ongoing macroeconomic reforms aimed at restoring investor confidence, strengthening fiscal sustainability, and expanding private sector opportunities. Nigeria plans to deepen international partnerships to mobilize sustainable investment, bolster economic resilience, and accelerate its transition to a competitive, inclusive, and climate-responsive economy. During the conference, Bagudu met with Ms. Claudia Voss, CEO of the German-African Business Association, and senior management from ODDO BHF, a European financial institution. ODDO BHF representatives praised Nigeria's economic reforms, noting the improved investment outlook and increased international investo