Nigeria’s renewable energy experts have urged the government, private companies and electricity providers to work together to solve the country’s growing electricity shortage. They said no single organisation can meet the nation’s rising power demand, making collaboration the only way to provide reliable electricity to millions of Nigerians.
The experts shared their views during a panel discussion titled “Who Will Power Nigeria Next? Utility Partnership, Private Power and Mini-grid Market” at the Solar and Storage Live Nigeria 2026conference, held in partnership with the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN).
One of the speakers, Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder of Ashdam Solar, Damilola Asaleye, said Nigeria’s electricity challenge has become too large for one organisation to solve alone. According to her, electricity distribution companies, mini-grid developers, renewable energy firms and investors must combine their efforts to reduce energy poverty across the country.
She explained that the national electricity grid remains important because it supplies major cities and industries. However, she noted that many urban areas, including Lagos, still suffer from poor electricity supply despite being connected to the national grid. She added that rural communities face even greater challenges because many are still completely without electricity.
Asaleye said the future of Nigeria’s power sector depends on combining the national grid with modern energy solutions such as interconnected mini-grids. She pointed to the recent launch of Nigeria’s first interconnected mini-grid as proof that utility companies and renewable energy developers can successfully work together to expand electricity access.
She also praised the private sector for driving investment and innovation in renewable energy. According to her, private companies provide funding, develop projects and deliver clean energy solutions to communities that are difficult for traditional electricity providers to reach.
She welcomed the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s net-billing policy, which allows consumers to generate electricity through solar systems and sell excess power back into the national grid. She said this approach will encourage more Nigerians to invest in renewable energy while improving electricity supply.
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has set a target of providing new or improved electricity to more than 17.5 million Nigerians. Asaleye described the goal as ambitious but achievable if government agencies, private investors and renewable energy companies continue working together.
Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp Energy Limited, Christopher Ezeafuluke, said the Electricity Act has created opportunities for major reforms in the sector. He explained that state regulators are now encouraging electricity distribution companies to obtain part of their energy from renewable sources. Although progress has been slower than expected, he believes the market is gradually improving because businesses and consumers are demanding more reliable electricity.
He added that many communities previously considered too expensive to connect to the national grid can now benefit from solar power and mini-grids. According to him, expanding electricity access is essential for economic growth, job creation and national development.
Associate Vice President of Commercial at Orlando Clean Energy, Engr. Godwin Onwubolu, said businesses need electricity that is available, reliable, affordable and of high quality. However, many companies are moving away from the national grid because it often fails to meet these basic needs.
He stressed that utility companies must invest in stronger infrastructure, reduce electricity theft and improve service delivery if they want to compete with alternative energy providers. He also believes future interconnected micro-grids will strengthen the national electricity network.
Managing Director of WATT Renewable, Oluwole Eweje, concluded that the future of Nigeria’s electricity sector depends on cooperation rather than competition. He said utilities, renewable energy companies and mini-grid operators must work together to build a stronger, more reliable power system that will benefit Nigerians for many years to come.
