Abuja: The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), with support from the German Government and the European Union (EU), inaugurated the National Guidelines for Interconnecting Solar Mini-Grids to Distribution Networks in Abuja. This initiative is implemented through the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP) and aims to strengthen Nigeria’s mini-grid market, improve electricity access, and provide a framework for safe grid integration.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the EU and German Government also handed over advanced solar testing equipment to NEMSA to support field inspections of solar mini-grid installations. This equipment was procured under the third phase of the Nigerian Energy Support Programme to enhance technical capacity and quality assurance across Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Alhaji Mahmuda Mamman, declared the event open and congratulated NEMSA on the initiative. Represented by Mr. Umar Mustapha, Director of Distribution Services, Ministry of Power, Mamman highlighted the strategic role of solar mini-grids in advancing the Federal Government’s goal of expanding electricity access and improving energy security.
Mamman noted that interconnected and isolated solar mini-grids are increasingly providing reliable electricity supply to communities and businesses previously lacking access to power. He stressed the importance of establishing a clear technical and operational framework to ensure safety, reliability, and efficient coordination between solar mini-grid systems and existing distribution infrastructure.
NEMSA’s Managing Director, Mr. Olusegun Adesayo, thanked the EU and German Government for their continuous support. He reaffirmed NEMSA’s commitment to enforcing technical standards and ensuring safety across the electricity sector, emphasizing that the guidelines will provide comprehensive procedures and standards for integrating solar mini-grids into distribution networks.
Mr. Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasized the necessity of adhering to technical standards and operational requirements for interconnected mini-grids. He reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s energy transition agenda through strategic partnerships and investments in sustainable energy solutions.
Dr. Karin Jansen, Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy in Nigeria, expressed pride in supporting Nigeria’s efforts to expand energy access. She stated that the guidelines would provide clear direction for stakeholders in Nigeria’s renewable energy market and ensure uniformity and safety in solar mini-grid projects.
Mr. Duke Benjamin, Head of Programme at NESP, commended NEMSA’s partnership and collaborative efforts in developing the national guidelines. He assured continued support for capacity-building initiatives to strengthen NEMSA’s regulatory responsibilities in the power sector.