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“From Blackouts to Breakthroughs: Power Failures Ignite Renewable Energy Rush”
Focusing on the pivotal role of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Damilola Aina examines how strategic policies and regulatory frameworks are driving the adoption of distributed renewable energy systems. These efforts mark significant progress in Nigeria’s journey toward energy self-sufficiency and expanding electricity access to underserved communities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
As Nigeria’s National Grid Struggles, Renewable Energy Emerges as a Lifeline
Amid frequent national grid failures and a growing electricity deficit, Nigeria is turning to renewable energy as a practical solution to its deepening energy crisis—particularly in underserved and rural communities.
The national grid has suffered seven collapses in 2024 alone, bringing the total to 140 since privatisation in 2013. Plagued by decaying infrastructure, gas shortages, poor maintenance, and chronic underfunding, the system’s instability is a major concern. A non-cost-reflective tariff structure, widespread energy theft, and unpaid electricity debts owed by government agencies have further discouraged investment in the sector.
According to the 2024 report from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the current grid supplies only about 4 GW for a population of 230 million, leaving over 80 million Nigerians without access. Meanwhile, diesel and petrol generators bridge the supply gap with approximately 24 GW—at a cost more than double that of grid power.
To address this crisis, NERC—empowered by the 2023 Electricity Act—has taken center stage in promoting distributed renewable energy systems. These include mini-grids, solar hybrids, rooftop panels, embedded generation, and grid-connected renewables. Regulations like the Mini-Grid Regulations (2016 & 2023) and the Eligible Customer Regulations (2017 & 2024) are instrumental in expanding renewable access.
In April 2024, NERC issued a Supplementary Order to MYTO 2024, requiring distribution companies (DisCos) to procure 10% of their energy from embedded sources, with half of that from renewables.
Nigeria’s renewable energy potential is immense:
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10 GW in solar energy
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1,000 MW in wind capacity
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Up to 10 GW in hydropower
To achieve its 30% renewable energy mix by 2030, Nigeria is leveraging global support. The World Bank approved a $750 million DARES project, while the European Union and GIZ have invested €9.3 billion in solar mini-grids. The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority also launched a $500 million fund for distributed renewable projects.
Between 2019 and 2024, NERC approved 316 renewable energy projects totaling 149 MW. These include 286 mini-grids (271 isolated, 8 interconnected, and 7 hybrid) and 30 embedded and captive generation projects with a combined 112 MW capacity.
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA), working closely with NERC, has deployed over 500 mini-grids and 1.4 million solar home systems, reaching 7.5 million Nigerians, including 300,000 women-led MSMEs.
REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu credits NERC’s regulatory reforms—especially increasing the mini-grid licensing threshold from 1 MW to 5 MW—for enabling the agency to attract more private partners and scale deployments efficiently.
However, a new Federal Government policy to ban solar panel imports has drawn backlash. While Minister of Science and Technology Uche Nnaji argues that local production can meet demand, critics warn that Nigeria lacks the capacity to manufacture essential components like solar cells and wafers.
Industry stakeholders like REAN and economist Dr. Muda Yusuf caution that a premature ban would undermine progress in renewable energy adoption. Instead, they advocate incentives for local producers, reduced import duties on components like batteries and inverters, and expanded infrastructure to support domestic manufacturing.
Energy analyst Theophilus Nweke questioned the government’s readiness to enforce such a ban, noting that no factories in Nigeria currently produce solar wafers or cells.
Conclusion:
As Nigeria accelerates its energy transition, experts urge data-driven policymaking, broad stakeholder engagement, and capacity-building to avoid derailing momentum in the renewable energy sector. Without a strong local manufacturing base, an import ban may do more harm than good—jeopardising access, affordability, and environmental goals.
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‘Kwankwaso Is More Experienced Than Peter Obi’ – Buhari’s Ex-Aide Declares.
Ahmad made the assertion in a post on his X handle, maintaining that Kwankwaso’s decision to accept the position of running mate should be seen as an act of political modesty rather than an indication that he is less qualified than Obi.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to the former presidential aide, the relationship between the two politicians should be viewed as one of equals rather than that of a superior and a subordinate.
“To be entirely candid, the political dynamic between Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi ought to be characterised as one of collegiality between peers, rather than a hierarchy of principal and subordinate,” he wrote.
He added, “The choice to assume a deputy role beneath Obi ought to be interpreted as a testament to political modesty.”
Making a case for Kwankwaso’s political experience, Ahmad recalled that the former Kano State governor served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives before Obi became a prominent figure in national politics.
He also noted that Kwankwaso governed Kano State, which he described as Nigeria’s most populous and politically influential state, for two terms and served as a federal minister.
“If we are assessing political experience, Sen. Kwankwaso probably has a longer and more impressive political background than Peter Obi,” Ahmad stated.
In contrast, the former presidential aide argued that Obi’s major public office experience was limited to his tenure as governor of Anambra State.
“Unlike other candidates, Peter Obi was just a former governor of Anambra State,” he wrote.
Latest News
‘I Have Stopped Impregnating Women’ – 2Baba Makes Shocking Revelation.
Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has declared that he no longer impregnates women.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The singer made the statement on Saturday during a live performance at Rehab Lounge in Calgary, Canada.
While performing his hit song True Love, 2Baba paused to interact with the audience and playfully asked the women present to identify where his true love was.
He jokingly wondered whether she was standing at the back of the venue or somewhere in front of him before making a remark about his experiences with women.
The award-winning musician told the audience that he had stopped getting women pregnant, adding that he had been making the same confession wherever he performed recently.
He said, “For the purpose of this show, I will pretend like I’ve never seen anything before. Where’s my true love? Is she back there? Is she right here? Is she somewhere here? Where’s my true love? You people shouldn’t put out me for trouble.
“As I said, some ladies they fear to shout. See, everywhere I go these days, I make this confession. As I say, some ladies they fear to shout. I say, I don’t fear to shout. Because I don’t stop to dey give woman belle. Ask anyone, they’ll tell you, I don’t do such thing things again.”
The singer’s comment comes amid public interest in his personal life and relationships.
2Baba was previously married to Nollywood actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia. The couple announced their separation in January 2025 after having two children together.
Latest News
NPFL Cracks Down! Abia Warriors, Katsina United, Warri Wolves Hit With Sanctions.
Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.
The Umuahia-based club was also found guilty of an attempt by one of its officials to disrupt the live broadcast of the match by harassing a crew member of the league’s broadcast partner.
As part of the disciplinary measures, Abia Warriors’ multimedia officer, Chidera Favour Igwe, has been suspended from all NPFL match activities for five matches.
Katsina United, meanwhile, were fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security during their home fixture against Plateau United.
The club was also sanctioned for allowing supporters to encroach onto the field of play during the encounter.
Warri Wolves Receive Heaviest Punishment
Warri Wolves have been handed the most severe sanctions following the unruly behaviour of their supporters during Sunday’s Matchday 10 clash against Kano Pillars in Ozoro.
The Seasiders were fined ₦4.2 million and docked three points and three goals from their accumulated tally. The club was also ordered to play its next three home matches behind closed doors.
According to the NPFL, Warri Wolves failed to provide adequate security at the stadium, resulting in an assault on match officials after the final whistle.
The league further disclosed that the second assistant referee sustained a nose injury and was left bleeding during the incident.
The NPFL stated that all three clubs have 48 hours from the date of notification to appeal their respective sanctions in accordance with the league’s disciplinary procedures.
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