Nigeria is making significant progress in the renewable energy sector as solar power continues to play a bigger role in the country’s electricity supply. The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has revealed that solar energy now contributes about 20 percent of Nigeria’s electricity generation, with expectations that it could increase to 50 percent by 2029 if the current pace of development continues.
The announcement was made by the Managing Director of the REA, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, during the 25th Nigerian Oil and Gas (NOG) Energy Week held in Abuja. Speaking at a panel discussion on improving Africa’s electricity market, Aliyu said the rapid growth of solar power has been made possible through increased investments and stronger partnerships between the government and private companies.
According to him, more solar projects are being developed across the country, helping to increase clean energy production. He expressed confidence that if the current momentum is maintained, solar energy will become one of the country’s leading sources of electricity within the next few years.
Aliyu also highlighted Nigeria’s growing role in renewable energy manufacturing. He explained that the country is gradually moving from importing solar equipment to producing and exporting it. Manufacturing companies located along the Lagos-Sagamu industrial corridor are expanding their operations, with solar panels produced in Nigeria already being supplied to neighbouring West African countries.
He added that plans are underway to develop about 3.7 gigawatts of solar panel manufacturing capacity, which will further strengthen the country’s renewable energy industry and create more economic opportunities.
Despite the rapid growth of solar energy, experts at the event agreed that gas-fired power plants will continue to play an important role in Nigeria’s electricity sector. They explained that solar power depends on weather conditions and cannot provide a constant electricity supply at all times.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Transafam Power Limited, Vincent Ozoude, said gas-powered plants remain essential because they can quickly provide electricity whenever solar generation drops. He warned that relying only on renewable energy without enough gas support could affect the stability of the national power grid.
The panel recommended that Nigeria should continue investing in both renewable energy and gas-powered electricity generation. According to the experts, this balanced approach will help ensure reliable power while supporting the country’s clean energy goals.
They also stressed the need for major improvements in electricity transmission infrastructure. Investments in modern smart-grid technology, digital monitoring systems, and additional high-voltage transmission lines were identified as key steps to ensure that electricity generated across the country reaches homes and businesses without unnecessary losses.
The experts concluded that combining increased solar power generation, dependable gas-fired plants, and a stronger electricity transmission network will help Nigeria provide a more stable and reliable power supply for millions of citizens while supporting long-term economic growth and energy security.
