UN cites Nigeria’s solar program for reaching five million people
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The United Nations praised Nigeria’s rural electrification program as a model for expanding electricity access in developing countries.
The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs featured Nigeria’s Electrification Project in its World Social Report 2026, noting its success in using subsidies and private investment. This program established 125 mini-grids and facilitated the sale of over one million solar home systems, bringing electricity to more than five million Nigerians and creating over 5,000 jobs.
The report also highlighted Nigeria’s use of financial support to lower electricity costs for low-income households and attract investment to underserved areas. Along with Ghana, Nigeria is pioneering the integration of solar panels with agricultural land, an approach the UN believes can boost food security and rural economies.
Nigeria achieved a combined index score of 100.67 in a UN assessment measuring economic transformation and social inclusion, scoring 44.30 for transformation and 56.36 for inclusiveness across a study of 168 countries from 2000 to 2024.
