Nigeria to Provide Electricity to 300 Million Africans by 2030

Nigeria to Provide Electricity to 300 Million Africans by 2030

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, says Nigeria is taking a continental leadership role in the push for renewable energy, targeting electricity access for 300 million Africans by 2030 through the Mission 300 initiative with the World Bank and AfDB.

Speaking at the First Legislative Conference and Expo on Renewable Energy in Lagos, Abbas commended President Tinubu for approving $1 billion in financing for the Rural Electrification Agency, with $750 million allocated to solar mini-grids and home systems that will benefit over 200,000 Nigerians.

“On the continental stage, Nigeria has assumed a leadership role,” he said. “We are working to provide electricity to three hundred million Africans by 2030.”

Abbas stressed the need for collaboration: “Legislators must establish sound legal foundations. The executive must implement with urgency. The private sector must invest in innovation. Civil society must foster inclusion and accountability.”

He highlighted legislative reforms, including the creation of a Standing Committee on Renewable Energy and tax waivers for renewable energy and CNG components. The House is also working to legally back the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Policy (REEEP) of 2015.

“The earlier we align with global trends, the better,” Abbas noted, referencing data that shows 92% of new global power capacity in 2024 came from renewables.

Hon. Afam Ogene warned that fossil fuels have failed to deliver reliable power, urging transition to clean energy as a development driver. Ghana’s Parliament Speaker, Hon. Ahiafor, praised Nigeria’s leadership and emphasized the urgency of cross-border collaboration to electrify Africa.

UNDP’s Elsie Atafuah said Nigeria must show courage and legislative action to lead the green revolution. “The next superpowers will be those who master the green value chain,” she said.