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UN Praises Nigeria’s Solar Push for Bringing Electricity to Five Million People

The United Nations has highlighted Nigeria’s rural electrification programme for extending electricity access to more than five million people and supporting over 5,000 green jobs through solar home systems and mini-grids.

By GlowRy Atuah

2 min read 3 views Updated Oct 22, 2026
The United Nations has recognised Nigeria’s rural electrification programme as an example of how targeted financial support and private-sector investment can expand access to electricity in underserved communities.

The recognition is contained in the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs’ World Social Report 2026, which highlights Nigeria’s efforts to make electricity more accessible and affordable for rural households.

The report cites earlier World Bank data showing that Nigeria’s electrification initiative supported the establishment of 125 mini-grids and the sale of more than one million solar home systems. These interventions have provided electricity access to more than five million Nigerians and supported the creation of over 5,000 green jobs.

The UN said targeted subsidies can help reduce electricity costs for lower-income households while encouraging private investment in communities that are difficult to reach through conventional power infrastructure.

The report also identifies Nigeria and Ghana as countries exploring the integration of solar panels with agricultural land. The approach, often called agrivoltaics, allows land to support both electricity generation and farming, potentially improving rural livelihoods and resource use.

The recognition comes as Nigeria continues to pursue off-grid energy solutions to address electricity access challenges. The government’s Solar Power Naija initiative was designed to expand access through solar home systems and mini-grids in communities with limited grid connections.

However, sustaining these gains will depend on continued investment, reliable equipment, affordable financing and effective maintenance of rural electricity infrastructure.

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The United Nations has highlighted Nigeria’s rural electrification programme for extending electricity access to more than five million people and supporting over 5,000 green jobs through solar home systems and mini-grids. The United Nations has recognised Nigeria’s rural electrification programme as an example of how targeted financial support and private-sector investment can expand access to electricity in underserved...

Key takeaways
  • The United Nations has highlighted Nigeria’s rural electrification programme for extending electricity access to more than five million people and supporting over 5,000 green jobs through solar home systems and mini-grids.
  • The United Nations has recognised Nigeria’s rural electrification programme as an example of how targeted financial support and private-sector investment can expand access to electricity in underserved communities.The recognition is contained in the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs’ World Social Report 2026, which highlights Nigeria’s efforts to make electricity more accessible and affordable for rural households.The report cites earlier World Bank data showing that Nigeria’s electrification initiative supported the establishment of 125 mini-grids and the sale of more than one million solar home systems.
  • These interventions have provided electricity access to more than five million Nigerians and supported the creation of over 5,000 green jobs.The UN said targeted subsidies can help reduce electricity costs for lower-income households while encouraging private investment in communities that are difficult to reach through conventional power infrastructure.The report also identifies Nigeria and Ghana as countries exploring the integration of solar panels with agricultural land.
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The United Nations has highlighted Nigeria’s rural electrification programme for extending electricity access to more than five million people and supporting over 5,000 green jobs through solar home systems and mini-grids. The United Nations has recognised Nigeria’s rural electrification programme as an example of how targeted financial support and private-sector investment can expand access to electricity in underserved...

Who published this story?

Glow 99.1 FM published this story with GlowRy Atuah listed as author.

When was it published?

October 19, 2026

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