The Nigerian government has laid out an ambitious energy access programme aimed at addressing the nation’s long-standing electricity crisis. Announced recently, the Federal Government's initiative is termed the National Energy Compact, which necessitates investments of approximately $23.2 billion. Notably, $15.5 billion of this sum is expected to be supplied by the private sector. This bold step is part of the country’s strategy to transform its energy sector and aims to achieve universal access to affordable and sustainable energy by 2030.
According to Bolaji Tunji, the spokesperson to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, the initiative emerged from discussions held at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit, which took place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The two-day summit attracted African leaders, business executives, and development partners, all unified by the common goal of advancing energy accessibility across the continent. The ambition is to provide 300 million Africans with electricity by 2030, showcasing the region's resolve to tackle energy poverty.
During the announcement, Tunji detailed several key objectives of the National Energy Compact, including increasing electricity access rates from four percent to nine percent annually, enhancing clean cooking solutions' accessibility from 22 percent to 25 percent by the same timeline, and growing the share of renewable energy use from 22 percent to 50 percent. He stated, “Through the energy access programme, tagged National Energy Compact, the government aims to increase electricity access... and mobilise $15.5bn in private investment to drive last-mile electrification.”
The Minister, Adebayo Adelabu, expressed Nigeria’s determination to secure universal energy access, highlighting the need for significant investment to overcome the country’s electricity challenges. Currently, Nigeria is grappling with providing electricity to its over 200 million citizens, producing only about 4,500 megawatts. Efforts to ramp this figure to 6,000 megawatts met setbacks due to infrastructure vandalism and repeated grid collapses. These challenges have prompted over 250 companies and institutions to abandon the national grid, resorting instead to self-generated power solutions.
Adelabu emphasized the urgency of protecting power infrastructure, noting concerns over the vandalism of electricity transmission towers, pipelines, and distribution systems. He indicated these disruptions not only hinder supply but also deter investment from potential contributors. “The government is intensifying efforts to curb vandalism through enhanced security, stricter penalties, and improved surveillance technologies,” he stated. These statements underline the significant risks posed by vandalism on electricity infrastructure, which stands as both a catalyst for the crisis and an impediment to much-needed reforms.
To realize the ambitious objectives outlined, the government is actively seeking collaboration with development partners, philanthropies, and the private sector. “Recognising achieving universal energy access demands collective action, we invite stakeholders to join this transformative effort,” Adelabu remarked. By implementing the action plan encompassed within the National Energy Compact, Nigeria positions itself not just as a participant but as a leader within Africa's energy transformation narrative, all the whilst creating pivotal opportunities for economic growth and job development.
The government’s significant focus on enhancing the electricity sector aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7, which aims to provide universal access to energy services. By advancing initiatives like the National Energy Compact, Nigeria hopes to open pathways for investment to urgently needed infrastructure improvements and renewable energy projects.
Despite the challenges, the government maintains optimism about Nigeria’s energy future. The Minister of Power asserted, “With 150 million Nigerians already electrified, Nigeria remains committed to ensuring universal access to affordable and sustainable energy by 2030.” If executed with diligence and collaboration, these goals could markedly change the narrative around energy access and economic productivity within the nation.
Following the highlights of the Mission 300 initiative, Nigeria's efforts to reform its energy sector and bolster investment will critically shape the future of electricity access not only for Nigerians but also for millions across the continent. The Global commitment to comprehensive energy reform, infrastructure enhancement, and investment mobilization remains pivotal for reinvigorated energy independence, as the nation strives to turn its energy crisis narrative from one of frustration to one of hope and opportunity.