Nigeria is positioning itself as a continental leader in the push for clean and inclusive energy, with a bold commitment to provide electricity for 300 million Africans by 2030, according to Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.
Speaking at the First Legislative Conference and Expo on Renewable Energy in Lagos, organized by the House Committee on Renewable Energy and the UNDP, Abbas emphasized that Nigeria’s involvement in the Mission 300 Initiative—in partnership with the World Bank and African Development Bank—signals a powerful step toward energy equity across the continent.
He praised President Tinubu’s December 2024 approval of a $1 billion financing plan for the Rural Electrification Agency, with $750 million earmarked to expand solar access, including the rollout of 124 mini-grids and 25,000+ solar home systems. These efforts are expected to benefit over 200,000 Nigerians, especially in underserved communities.
“This is what happens when legislation, financing, and policy align,” Abbas said.
He further highlighted Nigeria’s internal progress, including the establishment of a Standing Committee on Renewable Energy, VAT exemptions on renewable energy technologies, and ongoing reforms to back the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Policy (REEEP) of 2015.
Abbas noted that the transition to clean energy is no longer optional, citing that 92% of global power generation in 2024 came from renewables. Global investment trends back this up: $1.7 trillion of the $2.8 trillion spent on energy in 2023 went to renewables and clean technologies.
“Nigeria must align with this global shift to remain competitive, relevant, and environmentally responsible,” he urged.
The Speaker emphasized that success requires collaboration from every sector: legislators, the executive, the private sector, and civil society.
The conference also drew insights from other African leaders. Ghana’s Parliament Speaker (represented by Hon. Bernard Ahiafor) called on African lawmakers to prioritize inclusive policies that attract investment, expand access, and support local innovation in clean energy.
Ahiafor praised Nigeria’s leadership in convening stakeholders and emphasized that over 600 million Africans still lack electricity, despite the continent having 60% of the world’s best solar resources.
The Chairman of Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Committee, Hon. Afam Ogene, echoed the urgency of transitioning from fossil fuels, noting that persistent power issues hamper national development.
“Renewable energy isn’t just about power. It’s about jobs, innovation, and future-proofing our economy,” he said.
The UNDP’s Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Atafuah, described this moment as critical—not only for Nigeria’s development but also for its place in the emerging global order.
“The next superpowers will be those who master the green value chain,” she said. “Nigeria has the potential—but leadership must match ambition with bold action.”
As the conference wrapped up, one thing was clear: Africa’s energy future depends on collaboration, courage, and commitment. And with Nigeria taking bold steps, the continent may finally begin to turn the lights on for all.