The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has launched 42 renewable energy projects across Nigeria as part of efforts to expand electricity access, promote clean energy adoption, and support economic development in underserved communities. The initiative is expected to improve power supply for households, businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and productive enterprises in various parts of the country.

According to the agency, the projects include solar mini-grids, standalone solar systems, and other renewable energy infrastructure designed to provide reliable and sustainable electricity to communities with limited or no access to the national grid. The investments form part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to bridge Nigeria’s electricity access gap while accelerating the transition to clean energy.

REA said expanding renewable energy infrastructure will not only improve energy security but also stimulate local economic activities, create employment opportunities, and enhance the delivery of essential public services. Reliable electricity, the agency noted, is critical to improving healthcare, education, agriculture, and small business productivity in rural communities.

The agency also highlighted the importance of partnerships with development organisations, private investors, and financial institutions in delivering sustainable energy solutions nationwide. It reaffirmed its commitment to increasing energy access through innovative financing models and technology-driven projects.

Industry experts believe renewable energy investments will play a significant role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels, lowering carbon emissions, and supporting Nigeria’s long-term climate and sustainable development goals. They added that expanding off-grid power solutions remains essential for achieving universal electricity access.

The launch of the 42 projects reflects the government’s continued efforts to strengthen the country’s renewable energy sector and improve the quality of life for millions of Nigerians through reliable, affordable, and environmentally friendly electricity solutions.

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The adoption of solar energy as an alternative power source is growing rapidly across Nigeria. With persistent electricity challenges and rising energy costs, more households and businesses are turning to solar systems for reliable power.

Today, it is common to hear statements such as, “I have solar now” or “Just install solar and enjoy peace of mind.” For many Nigerians, solar energy has provided an escape from the frustration of unstable electricity supply. It has brought comfort, reduced dependence on generators, and offered a greater sense of control over daily life.

However, amid the excitement surrounding solar adoption, an important conversation is often overlooked: the potential health risks associated with some of the battery technologies powering these systems.

The Growing Use of Tubular Batteries

While premium solar installations often use lithium batteries, many Nigerian households rely on tubular batteries because they are more affordable. These batteries are a type of lead-acid battery and contain lead, a highly toxic metal that can pose serious health risks when not properly handled.

As these batteries charge and discharge, particularly when they are old, poorly maintained, overcharged, or incorrectly installed, they can become a source of concern. Unfortunately, many are installed in enclosed spaces such as bedrooms, kitchens, under staircases, balconies, and storage rooms with little or no ventilation.

While homeowners celebrate the benefits of uninterrupted power supply, they may unknowingly expose themselves to harmful substances that can affect their health over time.

The Health Risks of Poorly Installed Lead-Acid Batteries

One of the biggest challenges with exposure to toxic substances from lead-acid batteries is that the effects are often gradual and difficult to identify.

Symptoms may include:

• Frequent headaches
• Unusual fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Breathing discomfort
• Reduced energy levels
• Memory-related issues

Long-term exposure can potentially affect the brain, kidneys, respiratory system, and overall wellbeing. Children are particularly vulnerable, as exposure to lead can interfere with growth and development.

Because these symptoms develop slowly, many people may never associate them with the batteries installed in their homes.

Nigeria’s Growing Solar Market Needs Better Awareness

Solar energy itself is not the problem. In fact, it remains one of the most promising solutions to Nigeria’s electricity challenges.

The concern lies in how some solar systems are being deployed. In an environment where regulation is limited and electronic waste management remains weak, old batteries are often discarded improperly, increasing the risk of environmental contamination.

Without adequate public awareness and safety standards, the growing number of lead-acid batteries in homes could create long-term health and environmental challenges.

How Solar Users Can Stay Safe

For households currently using tubular batteries, safety should become a priority.

Some practical steps include:

• Ensure batteries are installed in well-ventilated areas.
• Avoid placing batteries inside bedrooms or living spaces.
• Use qualified and experienced solar installers.
• Conduct regular inspections and maintenance.
• Replace aging or damaged batteries promptly.
• Follow manufacturer safety guidelines.

Where possible, homeowners should consider transitioning to lithium battery systems, which are generally safer, more efficient, and longer lasting, although they require a higher initial investment.

The Role of Facility Managers and Industry Professionals

Facility managers, property owners, and solar installers have an important role to play in promoting safe solar adoption. By educating clients on battery safety, installation requirements, and maintenance practices, they can help reduce health risks while improving system performance.

Consumers should also ask questions before installation and ensure that safety considerations are not sacrificed for lower costs.

A Safer Future for Solar Energy

Nigeria’s transition toward renewable energy is both necessary and inevitable. Encouragingly, the solar industry is gradually moving toward safer and more advanced technologies, including lithium-based storage systems.

As adoption continues to grow, the focus should not only be on having access to electricity but also on ensuring that the solutions designed to improve our quality of life do not inadvertently compromise our health.

Reliable power is important, but safe power is essential.

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The Lagos State Government has clarified that permit requirements and administrative charges for solar energy installations apply only to residents of government-owned social housing estates, and not to private homeowners across the state.

The clarification follows a viral video showing officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Housing confronting a resident over the installation of solar panels within a state-owned estate, allegedly requesting approval and payment before proceeding with the project.

The video, which surfaced on April 21, 2026, sparked public debate over whether such requirements could discourage renewable energy adoption in a country facing persistent electricity shortages.

Responding to the controversy, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Wale Ajetunmobi, said the resident misunderstood existing guidelines governing modifications within social housing estates.

He explained that the policy does not apply to all Lagos residents, but specifically to occupants of government-owned housing estates where structural alterations require administrative approval.

According to him, tenants in such estates agree to the conditions before occupying the properties, including regulations on modifications that affect shared infrastructure.

“This development is true, but the individual involved appears to be misinformed about the Lagos State Government’s guidelines for solar installations in social housing estates,” Ajetunmobi said.

He added that solar installations are considered structural alterations, especially when they affect common areas or the original building design, and therefore require approval from relevant government departments.

The process, he said, involves clearance from the Physical Planning and Survey departments under the Ministry of Housing, as well as compliance checks and post-installation inspections.

Officials of the ministry’s Monitoring and Compliance Unit were involved in the incident captured in the viral video, according to the statement.

Ajetunmobi further noted that the policy is designed to prevent structural damage, ensure safety compliance, and avoid liabilities arising from unapproved modifications such as roof damage or fire incidents.

He stressed that the requirement is not a general solar tax or statewide fee but a facility management rule for maintaining government-owned estates.

Under the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, structural alterations to buildings require approval from relevant authorities, a provision the government says also extends to installations that may impact building integrity.

The clarification comes amid growing interest in renewable energy adoption, particularly solar systems, as households and businesses seek alternatives to Nigeria’s unstable power supply.

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Nigeria’s transition to a sustainable and low-carbon economy will depend heavily on women, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, has said.

Speaking in Abuja at the Women Leading Climate Action, Green Economy Dialogue, Mignot stressed that women already play a central role in Nigeria’s economic structure but remain largely excluded from critical opportunities that could scale their impact.

According to him, unlocking women’s potential is not just a social priority but an economic necessity for Nigeria’s future.

Mignot noted that while Nigeria has significant untapped economic capacity, the most underutilized asset remains women, who dominate key sectors but lack access to finance, leadership roles, and structured investment opportunities.

Women Dominate Key Economic Sectors

Providing insight into women’s contributions, the EU envoy revealed that women account for over 70 percent of Nigeria’s informal economy. He added that they also make up between 50 and 70 percent of smallholder agricultural labour.

Beyond agriculture, women are active players in markets and regional value chains, positioning them as key drivers of grassroots economic activity.

Despite this, Mignot said their influence is not reflected in policy-making, financing access, or leadership roles within the green economy ecosystem.

He explained that although women are already contributing to climate action and sustainability efforts, systemic barriers continue to limit their ability to expand and formalize their businesses.

Call for Inclusive Financing and Policy Support

The ambassador called for the development of inclusive financing systems that can support women-led enterprises across different growth stages.

He argued that financing the green economy should go beyond mobilising capital and focus on accessibility, diversity, and inclusion.

According to him, financial systems must be designed to connect women entrepreneurs with opportunities, while also creating investment pipelines that reflect the realities of small and medium-scale enterprises.

Mignot emphasized that without intentional inclusion, many women-led businesses would remain small, informal, and unable to scale their environmental impact.

Bridging the ‘Missing Middle’ Gap

Also speaking at the event, the convener, Amanda Archibong-Doukouré, highlighted a major structural challenge affecting women-led green businesses—what she described as the “missing middle.”

She explained that many enterprises fall between early-stage grant funding and large-scale investment readiness.

As a result, these businesses struggle to access funding because they are considered too advanced for grants but not sufficiently structured to attract institutional investors.

Archibong noted that this gap continues to limit innovation and growth, particularly for businesses working at the community level where climate impact is most visible.

She added that women-led enterprises dominate areas such as clean energy adoption, agro-processing, circular economy systems, and last-mile distribution, yet remain largely invisible in formal investment ecosystems.

Nigeria’s Green Economy at a Turning Point

Stakeholders at the dialogue agreed that Nigeria is at a critical stage in its transition to a green economy.

With global attention shifting towards climate resilience and sustainable growth, the country has an opportunity to build an inclusive economic model that integrates environmental sustainability with job creation.

However, experts warned that achieving this goal would require deliberate policies that address structural inequalities, especially those affecting women.

Mignot reiterated the European Union’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s green transition through investments in renewable energy, climate finance, and sustainable value chains.

He stressed that empowering women is essential for building resilient communities and ensuring inclusive economic growth.

A Defining Moment for Inclusive Growth

As Nigeria explores pathways toward a low-carbon future, experts say the role of women cannot be overlooked.

From agriculture to clean energy and trade, women are already laying the foundation for a green economy.

The challenge, however, lies in creating systems that allow them to lead, scale, and fully benefit from their contributions.

With the right policies, access to finance, and institutional support, stakeholders believe women can become the driving force behind Nigeria’s sustainable economic transformation.

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Nigeria has recorded a significant decline in solar panel imports, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), highlighting a shift in the country’s renewable energy market and policy direction.

Data from the NBS shows that the value of imported solar panels — classified as photovoltaic modules — dropped sharply within a short period, reflecting changing dynamics in Nigeria’s energy sector. The decline comes amid growing government efforts to promote local production and reduce dependence on imported renewable energy components. 

Push for Local Manufacturing Drives Decline

Industry stakeholders attribute the drop to policy signals from the Federal Government aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing capacity. Authorities have increasingly emphasized localisation, with agencies such as the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) playing a central role in developing Nigeria’s solar production ecosystem.

Nigeria has already begun expanding its local solar panel manufacturing capacity, with multiple facilities across the country contributing to a growing renewable energy value chain. This marks a shift from previous years when the country relied heavily on imports to meet rising demand for off-grid electricity solutions. 

Energy Transition and Policy Direction

The development aligns with broader national strategies to reduce foreign exchange pressure, improve energy security, and support the transition to cleaner energy sources. Solar power remains a critical solution to Nigeria’s persistent electricity challenges, especially in rural and underserved communities.

Recent government initiatives, including investments in mini-grids and renewable infrastructure, signal a long-term commitment to scaling solar adoption while strengthening local industry participation. 

Balancing Local Growth and Energy Access

However, analysts warn that while restricting imports may boost local production, Nigeria must carefully manage the transition to avoid supply shortages or rising costs that could slow solar adoption.

With millions of Nigerians still lacking reliable electricity, experts say a balanced approach — combining local manufacturing incentives with sustained access to affordable solar technology — will be key to sustaining growth in the sector.

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