Stakeholders in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector are converging on a unified strategy to enhance energy efficiency through stronger partnerships and expanded investment channels.
At the forefront of this initiative is the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Associations-Alliance (REEEA-A), which is advocating for intensified collaboration, increased funding and coordinated efforts to fast-track access to clean and affordable energy across the country.
The call was made during the fifth International Conference of REEEA-A held on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, in Lagos, where participants emphasised the need to move beyond policy debates to tangible execution.
Held under the theme “Accelerating Collective Action and Strategic Partnerships for Equitable Clean Energy Access,” the event drew a wide range of participants, including government representatives, investors, development partners, researchers and energy sector professionals.
The summit’s resolutions align with ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) to enhance cooperation aimed at improving electricity market operations, with a view to creating a more efficient, transparent and investment-friendly power sector.
Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NISO, noted that both agencies share a common mandate to ensure the electricity market operates efficiently and remains attractive to investors. He said the primary goal of the two bodies is to guarantee stable and reliable power supply for Nigerians, adding that NISO is ready to work closely with NBET and other stakeholders to comprehensively tackle liquidity challenges in the sector.
Speaking at the REEEA-A conference, Mr. Ayodeji Dada, Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, said the complexity of energy challenges requires a multi-stakeholder approach, as no single institution, sector or nation can address them in isolation.
Dada stressed that governments, private sector players, financial institutions, academia, civil society and local communities must join forces to expand clean energy access. He said governments have a crucial role in establishing enabling policies and regulatory frameworks, while the private sector must drive innovation, investment and practical solutions.
He added that financial institutions need to create financial instruments that can mitigate risks associated with emerging clean energy markets. Dada also said academia and research bodies must produce knowledge and technologies tailored to local conditions. He further called for the active inclusion of women, youth and marginalised communities in the energy transition process.
“We must move from conversation to collaboration, from collaboration to implementation, and from implementation to measurable impact,” Dada said.
He announced that the alliance would intensify engagement with governments, development partners, investors, industry players, academia, civil society and the media. He said the organisation would also promote knowledge sharing, capacity building and enhanced regional cooperation across Africa and beyond.
Dada encouraged participants to view themselves as partners in a common cause rather than mere attendees. He urged them to challenge established norms, share experiences and identify concrete opportunities for collaboration. He also called on stakeholders to make commitments that would yield measurable results beyond the conference.
Prof. Magnus Onuoha, outgoing Chairman of REEEA-A, also stressed the need for strengthened collaboration to advance renewable energy and energy efficiency. He said the conference offered a valuable platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas and formulate strategies for expanding clean energy access. He added that the energy transition demands sustained engagement among government, private sector operators, development partners, financial institutions, academia and professional bodies.
Prof. Abubakar Sambo, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of REEEA-A, said robust partnerships are critical to tackling Nigeria’s energy challenges. He noted that energy is fundamental to economic growth, job creation, healthcare, education and overall quality of life.
“Yet, millions of Nigerians still lack reliable and affordable access to modern energy services. Energy is too large for any single institution, sector or stakeholder to solve alone. It demands concerted action,” he said.
Sambo said government must provide appropriate policies, regulations and investment frameworks, while the private sector should bring innovation, capital and efficient business models. He added that tertiary institutions should contribute through research, innovation and knowledge development. He said development partners could support capacity building, financing and technical assistance, while civil society and communities should ensure energy solutions reflect local needs.
The BOT chairman said REEEA-A is well-positioned to unite diverse organisations and professionals working in the renewable energy and energy efficiency space. He said such collaboration could create stronger platforms for knowledge sharing, advocacy, investment and policy development.
Sambo emphasised that affordable access must remain central to Nigeria’s clean energy transition. “Clean energy should not be a privilege for those who can afford it. We must develop solutions that reach rural communities, small businesses, women, young people and underserved populations,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of energy efficiency, noting that reducing energy waste can lower costs, boost productivity and ease pressure on existing infrastructure. “The cheapest energy is often the energy we do not waste,” he said.
Sambo challenged REEEA-A to collaborate with government and development partners to achieve the target of 178,000 megawatts of electricity generation from renewable energy sources by 2050. He said this target is outlined in the Renewable Energy Roadmap for Nigeria, developed by the Energy Commission of Nigeria and the International Renewable Energy Agency.
He said Nigeria’s abundant renewable energy resources present a significant opportunity to meet this target if stakeholders work together. He urged REEEA-A to partner with relevant agencies, including the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency, Energy Commission of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Power.
Sambo said stakeholders should develop clear plans for increasing electricity generation capacity and monitor the contributions of companies and organisations toward achieving national targets. He also called for increased local manufacturing of renewable energy components, particularly solar equipment. He said local production would make renewable energy components more affordable and accessible, while creating jobs and reducing reliance on imports.
He further proposed innovative financing mechanisms to attract investment into renewable energy projects. Sambo cited South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme as a model Nigeria could emulate. According to him, the auction-based programme enabled South Africa to procure renewable electricity competitively and expand generation capacity.
Sambo also called for stronger testing and quality-control mechanisms to prevent counterfeit and substandard renewable energy products from entering the Nigerian market. He urged power aggregators and private operators to forge stronger partnerships with state governments to expand electricity generation and distribution.
He said the constitutional amendment allowing states to participate more actively in electricity generation and distribution presents an opportunity to expand access. He noted that about 17 states have already taken steps to participate in the electricity market.
He urged stakeholders to develop a national renewable energy and power development plan to provide a clear roadmap for the sector. Sambo also called for greater investment in manpower development and specialised capacity building in renewable energy. He said Nigeria needs to strengthen education and training programmes to develop the skilled workforce required to drive the country’s energy transition.
The BOT chairman stressed the need to distinguish between electricity access and electricity availability. He said connecting consumers to the grid does not necessarily mean adequate electricity is available for productive use.
Sambo said Nigeria’s electricity consumption per capita remains significantly below African and global averages. He put Nigeria’s average electricity consumption at about 180 kilowatt-hours per capita annually, compared with African and global averages of about 600 and 3,600 kilowatt-hours, respectively.
He said these figures underscore the scale of Nigeria’s electricity deficit and the urgent need to increase generation, transmission and distribution capacity.
Sambo commended the support of development partners, particularly GIZ, for organising the conference. He thanked speakers, partners, members and participants for their contributions to advancing renewable energy and energy efficiency in Nigeria.
He expressed confidence that stronger collaboration would help build an energy future that is cleaner, more reliable, affordable and inclusive.