Located on the western coast of Africa, Nigeria is home to diverse people and cultures. Nigeria’s population was estimated at 237.5 million in 2025, according to UNFPA. A country supporting a population this large, and covering more than 350,000 square miles, needs the ability to continuously expand infrastructure, agriculture and promote positive civilian life. There are numerous technological advancements that can help address many different barriers linked to poverty in Africa’s most populous nation. Here is information on how solar-powered mini-grids are expanding opportunity in Nigeria’s Oke-Oyi community.

What Are Solar-Powered Mini-Grids?

In 2024, nearly 40% of Nigeria’s population lacked access to electricity. According to the World Bank Group, the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) has been working on this issue. It supported the preparation and implementation of the Nigeria Electrification Project from 2018 to 2024. Investment in Nigeria’s solar hybrid mini-grids also increased. From 2018 to 2024, this project supported the establishment of 125 mini-grids and the sale of over a million solar home systems. More than 5.5 million Nigerians gained access to electricity. The African Development Bank-backed Nigeria Electrification Project aims to provide electricity to households, small and medium-sized enterprises and public institutions in a timely, cost-effective manner. Its planned completion date is Dec. 31, 2026. It also targets increased opportunities for women.

The Oke-Oyi Community’s Solar-Powered Mini-Grid Project

According to the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the federal government has commissioned an interconnected solar mini-grid project in Oke-Oyi Community of the Kwara State in Nigeria. With support from the European Union, the project has installed 1,336 solar panels and 84 batteries to support the electrical distribution network. This intervention is already supporting economic activity in Oke-Oyi, with new businesses like welding, pure water companies and grain mills. Minister of Power Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe praised the project, “The purpose of electrification is ultimately to improve lives and create opportunities. What we are commissioning today in Oke-Oyi is an investment in the productive capacity of the community. When electricity enables a welder to expand his business, a grain miller to operate more efficiently or a new enterprise to emerge, we are seeing the direct connection between energy access and economic development.”

The Oke-Oyi community not only benefits economically, but the construction phase of the solar-powered mini-grid project also provided jobs for community members. Welders, bricklayers, iron benders, tilers, plumbers, borehole diggers and excavation laborers were engaged in this project. Tegbe explained how expanding electricity access directly translates into improved livelihood and economic opportunity.

The Oke-Oyi community expressed its deep gratitude to the REA, the federal government and development partners. A community leader said at the commissioning, “Today is a day of joy for the people of Oke-Oyi. We have longed for reliable electricity to improve our lives and economic activities, and we are already seeing new businesses emerge in our community. On behalf of our people, we assure all stakeholders of our full cooperation in protecting this project and ensuring that it continues to serve our community.”

Legacy and Impact

Projects like this will aid Nigeria’s effort to support sustainable energy for all. The REA and federal government serve as examples for the rest of the country. The Oke-Oyi interconnected solar mini-grid project is certainly a start. Its goal is to allow access to sustainable energy, create new jobs and foster stronger relationships between the federal government and local communities. This is not the only example. This is just the beginning of Nigeria’s journey for efficient, environmentally friendly and accessible energy for all.

– Joe Laino

Joe is based in Providence, RI and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr