Nigeria has achieved a significant milestone in its quest for reliable and affordable electricity by successfully completing the pilot phase of its first-ever Interconnected Mini-Grid (IMG) infrastructure at a cost of over $9.2 million.
The projects were implemented by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) under the IMG Acceleration Program (IMAP).
This development is detailed in a newly released report by RMI and GEAPP, reviewed by Bavijas.
The report highlights the deployment of four pioneering IMG projects that have added 3 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity and 3 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery storage.
The projects were sited in four locations: Toto (Nasarawa), Zawaciki (Kano), Robiyan (Ogun), and Wuse (Abuja).
Over 6,000 connections across urban and peri-urban centers in these areas are now being served, demonstrating the potential of IMGs to enhance energy access and reliability.
Four contractors handled the IMG developments—PowerGen, Bagaja, Darway Coast, and GVE.
According to the report, these projects took four years to complete, with delays stemming from protracted agreement negotiations, equipment procurement issues, and logistical challenges.
RMI and GEAPP stated that distribution and interconnection accounted for nearly half of the total cost.
They attributed this to aging and inadequate distribution networks in Nigeria, as well as poor grid power quality.
Interconnected Mini-Grids integrate distributed energy resources, such as solar PV systems and battery storage, with existing grid infrastructure.
This hybrid approach offers a transformative solution by combining main grid electricity with locally generated renewable energy—improving reliability and reducing energy costs.
Notably, the cost of self-generated electricity in Nigeria stands at ₦600–₦650 per kilowatt-hour, making IMGs a more cost-effective alternative to fossil fuel generators.
The pilot projects have yielded impressive results, including a 95% increase in customer connections and a 15-fold increase in average energy consumption per user compared to isolated mini-grids.
These outcomes underscore the effectiveness of IMGs in meeting the energy needs of underserved communities.
However, the report also identifies key challenges that must be addressed to scale IMG deployment nationwide. These include high upfront capital costs, regulatory hurdles, and the need for improved grid infrastructure.
IMGs were also found to progress more slowly in Nigeria compared to isolated mini-grids.
To overcome these barriers, the report recommends clearly defined roles for stakeholders, standardized interconnection processes, and supportive regulatory frameworks.
Suleiman Babamanu, RMI’s Nigeria Program Director, stressed the importance of partnerships in scaling up IMGs:
“This report underscores the immense potential of IMGs to revolutionize energy access in Nigeria and provides a roadmap for scaling them to serve millions more Nigerians.”
The successful completion of the pilot phase marks a critical step toward achieving Nigeria’s goal of increasing renewable energy adoption to 40% by 2030.
With strategic reforms and stronger collaboration between mini-grid developers and electricity distribution companies, IMGs can play a pivotal role in resolving Nigeria’s persistent energy challenges.
The IMAP project was signed in February 2022 between the Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria (REA) and eight local solar mini-grid developers.
The project received funding from the European Union, the German Corporation, and the GIZ Nigeria Energy Support Programme.
However, as of March 2025, these projects were yet to be connected to the main electricity grid.
You can access the full report here.