Politically speaking, the Nigerian National Grid is currently dependent on a dual generation mix of hydro and gas, although efforts to introduce renewable solar energy source is ongoing and there is the need to encourage the federal and state governments to intensify such drive as having many sources of generation brings many benefits. This is necessary because it has been observed that other nations like Brazil that have performed better than Nigeria in electricity generation have embraced multiple generation sources to achieve their impressive available generation capacity.

In line with efforts to diversify the energy mix, the federal government recently attracted $2bn investments in the renewable energy sector. This was disclosed by the Rural Electrification Agency through the establishment of partnerships with the World Bank, African Development Bank, Global Alliance for people and Planet, Rocky Mountain Institute, and Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Others include the Sustainable Energy for ALL, Agence Francaise de Development, the United Kingdom Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility, European Union, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Global Environment Facility, United States Agency for International Development etc.

In a statement issued by the Director, Promotion and Outreach, Mutari Ibrahim, “From 2020 to date, REA has provided power to over 7.5 million people including 1.5 million households, delivering 130 mini-grid projects, including 1.3 million standalone home systems. The agency has equally deployed over 1, 650km of solar street lights, improving power, security, and economic growth in rural areas. REA has delivered over 500MW of power, electrified numerous communities, created 500,000 new jobs, and attracted over $2bn in investments in the renewable energy sector over the past decade”.

The Federal Government agency said that in 2022, as part of the National Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy programme, the REA secured additional N4bn in capital injection grants that were meant to provide clean power standalone home systems to over 50,000 locations, including rural homes, micro-businesses, schools, and faith-based institutions. According to the agency “In response to subsidy removal, REA is implementing interventions to develop electric mobility, mini-grids, distribute home systems, and deploy streetlights, potentially supporting up to 250,000 households in the coming year”

The above efforts at injecting more renewable energy sources into the country are commendable and the way to go since these different sources are readily available.

Given Nigeria’s low performance in energy self-sufficiency, a multi-pronged approach is the quickest means to make electricity available and accessible to Nigerians, hence such diversification of the generation mix is germane.

Also, a multiple generation mix will have positive impact on the existing national grid and make the system more robust thus enhancing the security of the system.

In conclusion, sub-nationals must key into this effort of the federal government by wooing and attracting similar investments in renewable energy sources into their states.