Nigeria’s state governments are increasing efforts to electrify underserved communities, complementing federal initiatives and addressing the nation’s chronic energy access challenges.
The Electricity Act of 2023, which decentralised the power sector and empowered states to regulate electricity within their own jurisdictions, has sparked a wave of local energy initiatives aimed at reducing reliance on the fragile national grid. These projects are often executed through innovative public-private partnerships and decentralised systems.
From solar farms and hydroelectric plants to mini-grids and hybrid systems, states across the country are embracing diverse solutions to boost electricity access and foster sustainability.
Lagos: leading the charge
Lagos State has emerged as a frontrunner in Nigeria’s energy reforms. In 2024, it enacted the Lagos State Electricity Law, establishing the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC) to oversee its electricity market.
This legislative move aligns with the Electricity Act 2023, empowering states to develop and regulate their power sectors.
Beyond regulatory advances, Lagos has been investing in off-grid solutions. The state has partnered with private developers to deploy mini-grids and solar home systems in underserved communities, aiming to reduce reliance on diesel generators. To support this effort, Lagos earmarked over N100 billion to drive its electricity market.
“To show you that we are not joking, in the 2025 budget, the state government has made available over N100 billion for this to happen. That is another assurance that we are not joking,” said Biodun Ogunleye, Lagos State commissioner for energy and mineral resources.
“Lagos State, the fifth-largest economy in Africa, aims to boost power generation to six gigawatts within the next three years under the newly enacted electricity law,” Ogunleye added.
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Enugu: Pioneering independent power projects
Enugu State has taken significant strides towards energy autonomy. In April 2024, the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) assumed full regulatory oversight of the state’s electricity market, completing its transition from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) by October.
Enugu thus became the first Nigerian state to fully own its electricity framework, from plug to pole. The state has also invested in Independent Power Projects (IPPs), such as the 5MW gas-fired plant licensed for Tempo Power Solutions Limited.
This addition brings Enugu’s total licensed power generation capacity to 15MW, reflecting the scale of EERC’s activity since regulatory control shifted from NERC in October 2024.
Abia: Empowering Aba with local generation
Abia State, home to more than four million people, is carving a niche through the Geometric Integrated Power Project in Aba.
Completed in February 2024, the 141MW (scalable to 188MW) facility is Nigeria’s only vertically integrated electricity project, encompassing embedded generation and distribution.
The project ensures consistent local supply, with any surplus distributed to the national grid. It features three GE LM6000 gas turbines producing up to 47MW each, a 27km gas pipeline, three rehabilitated and five new distribution substations, and 140km of fibre-enabled 33kV/11kV lines for efficient data communication.
Afreximbank, which funded the project, said it signed a $50 million term loan with Geometric Power Limited in 2021 to support completion and operations.
Edo State: Solar mini-grids for agricultural hubs
In August 2024, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) commissioned three solar hybrid mini-grids in Edo State and Abuja.
A 40kWp grid was launched in Rafinzurfi Village, Gwagwalada, which had been without power for over a century. In Edo, 100kWp systems were activated in Oloyan and Sule-Camp, both known for agricultural activities, especially oil palm processing.
These projects, funded under the Rural Electrification Fund’s Call 2 programme, aim to improve the socio-economic conditions in previously unserved communities. “Electricity is a catalyst,” said Abba Aliyu, REA managing director. “Access to sustainable electricity creates opportunities and possibilities for previously unconnected citizens.”
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Ekiti: Licensing for energy independence
Ekiti State has issued licences to three electricity distribution companies, four generation companies, and two mini-grid developers to establish an off-grid supply system. Five meter asset providers were also licensed, targeting a generation and distribution goal of 130MW.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji announced that Ekiti currently receives only 20-25MW from the national grid, against an estimated need of 120MW. “Our goal is to reach 130MW through a robust state grid,” he said, aligning with the 2023 Electricity Act’s decentralisation goals
Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara & Kebbi: A regional clean-energy network
Kaduna Electric has partnered with J-Marine Logistics and ASI Engineering to build a 100MW network of solar-plus-battery parks across its franchise in north-west Nigeria.
The project will allocate 60MW to Kaduna, 20MW to Sokoto, and 10MW each to Zamfara and Kebbi. Each plant will combine photovoltaic arrays with battery energy storage, allowing for peak load support and backup during outages.
The hybrid plants are expected to generate 210GWh annually and cut over 150,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions over 25 years. Pre-construction will run through 2026, with the first 20MW plant in Kaduna due by late 2027. Completion is expected in phases through 2028, pending regulatory approvals.
Nasarawa: Nigeria’s first interconnected hybrid solar mini-grid
On November 9, 2024, Nasarawa State inaugurated Nigeria’s first interconnected hybrid solar mini-grid in the Toto community, in collaboration with REA, Powergen Nigeria Limited and AEDC.
The 352.24kWp system now powers over 2,000 households, 141 commercial users, and 45 public institutions. The initiative is part of the Nigeria Electrification Project and supports the national goal of universal access by 2030.
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Cross River: Boosting power in four communities
Cross River State has benefited from a 440kWp interconnected mini-grid in Etung Local Government Area. Funded by the European Union and supported by German Cooperation, the system serves Etomi, Agbokim, Abia, and Bendeghe communities.
Implemented under the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS), the project enhances energy access in remote areas using clean, renewable sources.
Plateau State: Clean energy for 3,500 households
In Plateau State, a 550kWp solar hybrid mini-grid, has been commissioned in Bakin Ciyawa and Kwande communities, serving about 3,500 households and businesses.
Backed by IMAS, the project is expected to cut 600 tons of CO2 emissions annually, delivering first-time electricity access to the communities.
Taraba: Harnessing hydropower potential
Taraba State continues to leverage its hydro resources with the Kashimbila Hydroelectric Power Station, commissioned in 2019, supplying 40MW to surrounding communities.
Efforts are underway to expand distribution infrastructure to extend benefits of this renewable energy source to more areas within the state.
