• Unveils ambitious national energy compact
'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - Nigeria in a bold move to address its energy challenges and align with global sustainability goals, has unveiled an ambitious energy access programme aimed at achieving universal access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy by 2030.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, announced the National Energy Compact (NEC) at the recently concluded Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The programme outlines a comprehensive roadmap to close the energy gap, boost renewable energy adoption, and mobilize billions of dollars in private investment to transform the nation’s energy sector.
The two-day Summit, hosted by the Government of Tanzania in collaboration with the African Union, the African Development Bank Group, and the World Bank Group, brought together African leaders, business executives, and development partners to advance the continent’s energy agenda. The event focused on accelerating electricity access for 300 million Africans by 2030, with Nigeria emerging as a key player in this transformative initiative.
Nigeria’s National Energy Compact sets forth a series of ambitious targets designed to revolutionize the country’s energy landscape. The programme aims to increase electricity access from 4 percent to 9 percent annually, significantly reducing the energy gap. Additionally, it seeks to expand access to clean cooking solutions from 22 percent to 25 percent annually and increase the share of renewable energy in the power generation mix from 22 percent to 50 percent. These targets align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7), which calls for universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy by 2030.
Speaking at the Summit, Nigeria’s Minister of Power, emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring universal energy access for all Nigerians. “With 150 million Nigerians already electrified, Nigeria remains committed to ensuring universal access to affordable and sustainable energy by 2030,” he said. The Minister highlighted the transformative potential of the National Energy Compact, which will expand electricity access, increase renewable energy adoption, and improve clean cooking solutions for millions of Nigerians.
A key pillar of the National Energy Compact is the mobilization of significant financial resources to drive last-mile electrification and infrastructure development. The programme outlines a $23.2 billion investment target, with $15.5 billion expected to come from private sector participation. These funds will be directed toward expanding power generation, strengthening transmission and distribution networks, and integrating distributed renewable energy solutions.
Minister Adelabu stressed the importance of private sector involvement in achieving Nigeria’s electrification goals. “Achieving Nigeria’s electrification targets requires significant investment, and the government is prioritizing private sector participation to unlock additional resources,” he said. The Minister also called on development partners, philanthropies, and the private sector to join the transformative journey, emphasizing that collective action is essential to realizing the programme’s objectives.
While the roadmap for expansion is clear, the Minister acknowledged that challenges such as vandalism of power infrastructure pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s electrification efforts. “Transmission towers, pipelines, and distribution equipment have been targeted, disrupting supply and deterring potential investors,” he said. To address this issue, the government is intensifying efforts to curb vandalism through enhanced security measures, stricter penalties, and improved surveillance technologies.
Protecting power assets is crucial to ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply and sustaining progress, Adelabu noted. He reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure, which is essential for attracting investment and achieving the programme’s targets.
The National Energy Compact not only aims to transform Nigeria’s energy sector but also positions the country as a leader in Africa’s energy transition. By implementing the action plan outlined in the Compact, Nigeria is creating opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and industrialization. The programme’s success will have far-reaching implications for the continent, as Nigeria’s energy sector reforms and infrastructure expansion efforts are expected to serve as a model for other African nations.
“As the Mission 300 initiative gains momentum, Nigeria’s strong commitment to energy sector reforms, infrastructure expansion, and investment mobilization will be crucial in shaping the future of electricity access across the continent,” Adelabu said.
Nigeria’s unveiling of the National Energy Compact marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward achieving universal energy access. By committing to ambitious targets, mobilizing billions in investment, and addressing critical challenges, Nigeria is taking decisive steps to ensure a sustainable energy future for its citizens. The programme’s alignment with global sustainability goals and its emphasis on private sector participation underscore the government’s determination to lead Africa’s energy transition.
As the Mission 300 initiative progresses, Nigeria’s efforts will play a pivotal role in advancing the continent’s energy agenda, bringing electricity access to millions and driving economic development across Africa. With the National Energy Compact, Nigeria is not only closing its energy gap but also lighting the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.
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