- …as ECN targets nationwide solarisation, boosts renewable push amid power challenges
By Joe Udo
ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) says it is intensifying efforts to drive a nationwide shift towards renewable energy, with solar power identified as a key strategy for addressing Nigeria’s electricity deficit – despite criticism of exporting power to Benin Republic and other neighbouring countries.
Speaking in an interview with Channels TV at the weekend, the ECN Director-General, Mustafa Abdullahi, said the country has recorded progress in power generation, but acknowledged that more work is required to achieve universal access.
According to him, out of Nigeria’s estimated population of 230–240 million, about 85 million people remain without electricity, while 60 per cent now have access — a notable improvement from pre-2023 levels.
“Our electricity generation used to be 4,000 megawatts before 2023, but right now, we are generating, transmitting, and distributing 6,000 megawatts to households. That’s 2,000 more than what we had two years ago,” Abdullahi said.
Diversifying Nigeria’s Energy Mix
Abdullahi identified ageing transmission infrastructure and over-reliance on gas and hydro sources as major constraints to steady supply. He said Nigeria’s current energy mix comprises 86 per cent gas, 12 per cent hydro, and only a small fraction from renewables.
The ECN, he noted, is working to diversify sources by tapping into the country’s abundant solar potential.
“We have chosen to solarise almost the entire country. With renewable energy, you don’t need to depend on the grid or generators. We are giving Nigerians sustainability,” he said.
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The Director-General also highlighted the decentralisation provisions of the 2023 Electricity Act, which empower states to generate, distribute, and regulate electricity locally. While implementation has been slow due to capacity and funding challenges, the ECN is helping states develop policies, attract investors, and pilot small-scale generation projects.
Power Demand and Efficiency
Nigeria requires about 35,000 megawatts for universal coverage, Abdullahi stated, adding that efficiency audits have revealed significant wastage. The ECN is promoting the use of energy-efficient appliances to conserve available supply for underserved communities.
“If we use the 6,000 megawatts efficiently, we can take electricity to more people without immediate expansion,” he said.
He expressed confidence that improved renewable integration would eventually eliminate the current Band A–Band B tariff classification system.
Electricity Exports and Strategic Diplomacy
Addressing criticism over electricity exports to neighbouring countries, Abdullahi explained that only about six per cent of Nigeria’s generation is supplied to Benin Republic, mainly from hydro sources.
He said the arrangement is both strategic and economically necessary to maintain cooperation over shared waterways and dam infrastructure.
“We’re not doing it to sell, but it is strategic and also economically driven. We cannot share rivers and waterways with a country and not give them electricity out of goodwill,” he noted.
Electric Vehicles and Local Production
On electric mobility, Abdullahi revealed that the commission has stopped procuring petrol-powered vehicles and now operates electric vehicles (EVs) exclusively. He said free trade zones in every state are being positioned for EV assembly and renewable energy component production.
“If you have an EV, you don’t need to worry about petrol. Just walk to our office, charge your car, and go,” he said.
The ECN maintains that with the right policy environment, investor confidence, and local manufacturing, Nigeria could achieve a sustainable energy mix and close its power gap within the next decade.
