As part of our ongoing efforts to bridge Nigeria’s energy deficit, I hosted the African Development Bank (AfDB) team at the REA headquarters and led them to the Federal Ministry of Power for the AfDB Mission on Desert to Power (DtP). This flagship initiative aims to harness the immense solar energy potential of countries in the Sahel region, with the ambitious goal of developing 10 gigawatts of solar generation capacity by 2030.
The program is expected to provide millions of Africans with access to reliable electricity, advancing the broader #Mission300 objectives. The significance of this initiative transcends mere electrification. It is about the transformative impact that access to electricity enables—clean water supply, enhanced food security, conducive learning environments in schools, strengthened national security, and improved healthcare services. T
hese outcomes are central to REA’s mandate and critical to Nigeria’s socioeconomic development. You may recall that during the 145th National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, a strong case was made for transitioning to distributed renewable energy as a viable solution to address the energy deficit in the country. In alignment with this vision, DtP offers a strategic pathway to catalyse economic activities, particularly for medium, small, and micro enterprises.
A key focus will be on empowering agricultural clusters to enhance food production, mitigate post-harvest losses, and drive sustainable development—all of which are directly linked to reliable energy access. Building on the successes and lessons from the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), DtP will focus on three critical components: education, healthcare, and agriculture.
These components will serve as catalysts for accelerated solar deployment, economic development, and energy resilience. The program will also prioritise strengthening policy and regulatory frameworks, fostering innovation, and enhancing capacity building—key drivers for the successful implementation of DtP.
As we embark on this transformative journey, I am confident that this collaboration with AfDB will further advance our shared commitment to sustainable energy solutions and economic empowerment for Nigerians
