The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has completed a nationwide mapping of Nigeria to identify communities in need of electricity and to strategically guide the deployment of mini-grids.
This was the first comprehensive exercise of its kind in Nigeria
Managing Director and CEO of Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Dr Abba Aliyu, said that through the mapping, the agency identified over 750,000 communities across the country.
“We have completed the mapping of the entire country, which is guiding us with very good data of where we should intervene and how we should intervene and what kind of technology we should intervene with,” Aliyu stated when featured on Channels Television’s breakfast programme, Morning Brief.
“For the first time in the history of this country, we identified over 750,000 communities that exist in the country.”
Aliyu stated that through the mapping, REA gathered granular data to help de-risk investment for private developers. This includes the number of households, productive loads, public institutions (schools and health centers), existing generators, and the community’s willingness and ability to pay for electricity.
He stressed that the data helps determine the least-cost electrification solution for each community, whether it’s a mini-grid, a solar home system, or an extension of the national grid.
The mapping is a foundational element for the REA’s ambitious deployment targets, primarily under the $750 million Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) project. This project aims to provide electricity to 17.5 million Nigerians by deploying 1,350 mini-grids nationwide.
On the current progress, Aliyu said the REA is deploying more than 1,000 mini-grids for the first time in the country.
“Today, for the first time in the country, we are deploying more than 1,000 mini-grids nationwide. These include isolated mini-grids, while we have also been aggressive in the deployment of interconnected mini-grids,” he said.
He disclosed that the agency is currently working on 48 interconnected mini-grid projects across the country in collaboration with electricity distribution companies.
The REA MD also stated that the agency has completed solar mini-grid projects in 15 universities across the country.
“All these universities now are fully connected with the solar farms,” Aliyu said.
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He stated that the REA is using an AI-driven data and analytics platform, in partnership with VIDA, to analyze mapping data and ensure that DARES funds are invested where they will have the most impact.
He clarified that the Mini-grid regulatory framework has provided for the deployment of up to 5 megawatts of isolated mini-grids and 10MW of interconnected mini-grids.
In general, he said that over 100 mini-grids have been completed, adding that by the end of 2026, or the first quarter of next year, the agency would have more than half of the 1,000 mini-grids completed and connected to provide services to communities.
Victor Ezeja is a Nigerian journalist skilled in producing insightful news analyses, feature stories, and interviews that simplify complex issues and drive informed public discourse. His work combines rigorous research, balanced reporting, and compelling storytelling to highlight developments shaping industries and society. Victor, who holds a Master's Degree in Mass Communication, specializes in energy, aviation, business, and economic reporting. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X