Nigeria’s energy transition ambitions received a major boost as stakeholders at the 4th International Conference of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Associations Alliance (REEEAA) announced that over $2 billion has been mobilized for solar deployment nationwide.
The two-day conference, themed “From Rhetoric to Action: Driving a Just Energy Transition in Nigeria”, convened policymakers, private sector leaders, development partners, and civil society in Lagos to accelerate implementation of clean energy solutions and strengthen Nigeria’s pathway to net zero.
Delivering his address of welcome, Prof. Magnus Onuoha, President of REEEAA, reaffirmed the Alliance’s mandate as the unified voice of Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.
“For over five years, REEEAA has spoken with one voice, engaging constructively for actionable outcomes. Our mission remains clear: to mainstream clean energy into Nigeria’s sustainable development agenda,” he said.
He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for enacting the Electricity Act 2023, described Lagos State as a trailblazer in subnational transition, and recognized indigenous innovators advancing renewables without subsidies—the “G13.”
“This conference is not just a gathering—it is a platform for impact. Let us move together from rhetoric to action,” he urged.
Representing Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Hon. Biodun Ogunleye, Lagos Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, outlined state-led actions including:
Converting 42,000 streetlights to solar,
Electrifying 32 general hospitals with renewables, and
Adding 2,000 kilowatt-hours to strengthen public infrastructure.
“Energy transition is no longer an option—it is an urgent necessity. Lagos is demonstrating that subnational governments can lead decisively through policies and investments,” Ogunleye stated.
Representing the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the MD/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Mallam Abba Abubakar Aliyu, announced over USD 2 billion mobilized to de-risk solar investments, including:
USD 750m – World Bank’s DARES Programme,
USD 200m – African Development Bank,
USD 190m – GEAPP,
USD 800m – under negotiation with multilaterals.
He emphasized government’s risk absorption via dollar-denominated grants and guarantees, calling on Nigerian banks to scale financing beyond micro-level projects.
“With 45% of Nigerians lacking reliable power and losses of USD 25 billion annually, bridging the gap requires USD 23 billion in new investments,” he stressed.
Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs (represented by Prince Xavier Eyamba), launched initiatives to distribute 4 million e-cookstoves and 25,000 e-tricycles, creating 40,000 green jobs and reducing emissions.
“Women and children are disproportionately affected by energy poverty. Our clean cooking and e-mobility initiatives will lower emissions while empowering women,” she said.
Highlights of the conference included:
MoU between REEEAA and NEMSA to strengthen technical standards and capacity building;
Launch of REEEAA’s bi-monthly journal, Clean Energy News;
€35.6 million German Government commitment to strengthen Nigeria’s transition framework;
GIZ’s upcoming Energy Transition Challenge Fund for co-investment grants and technical support.
Engr. Tukur Tahir Aliyu, DG of NEMSA, stressed the need for upskilling installers and developers:
“Only technical proficiency will sustain local content development in Nigeria’s renewable sector,” he said.
Closing the conference, Prof. Abubakar Sambo, Chairman of REEEAA’s Board of Trustees (represented by Dr. Sunny Akpoyibo), called for implementation discipline:
“The momentum for energy transition is undeniable. What remains is the discipline to implement, monitor, and sustain these efforts.”
