The Federal Government has launched the Nigeria 1,900MW solar power plan to boost renewable energy across 19 northern states. This initiative aims to improve electricity access, ease pressure on the national grid, and expand renewable energy adoption.
Each state will receive a 100MW modular solar power plant, according to Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu. He announced the plan during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja.
Adelabu said the goal is to help each state become energy independent and rely less on the national grid. The government also hopes to attract private investors to support infrastructure expansion and power generation.
Two companies—Sun Africa and Skipper Electric—have shown strong interest in the project. Sun Africa plans to contribute 1,000MW of solar power to the national grid. Skipper Electric will build 100MW solar plants in each of the 19 northern states.
This initiative comes after widespread blackouts affected 17 of the 19 northern states in 2023. Vandals had destroyed the 330kV Shiroro-Kaduna power line and other infrastructure, causing month-long outages. As a result, governors from the region demanded alternative power sources.
The affected states include Niger, Kwara, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Gombe, Jigawa, Sokoto, Zamfara, Bauchi, Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kogi, and Benue.
Adelabu said Nigeria’s consistent sunlight makes solar power a viable solution. He confirmed that talks with Sun Africa and Skipper Electric are at advanced stages.
Generation Now at 5,800MW, Targeting 8,000MW by 2027
Since the Tinubu administration took office, average daily power generation has grown from 4,100MW to 5,800MW. Adelabu said the 8,000MW target by 2027 is realistic if the current pace continues.
He emphasized that it took decades to add 2,000MW before 2023. Yet, the current administration added 1,700MW in just over a year. He credited the rapid improvement to strategic investments and policy reforms.
Private Sector to Support Grid Expansion
With funding spread thin across ministries, Adelabu said the government is turning to private investors. These partners will help build new transmission lines, substations, and transformers.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) manages the national grid. However, private partners are now being invited to develop dedicated lines and enhance infrastructure through agreements with the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO).
National Grid Now Stronger, Can Handle 8,700MW
Adelabu stated that Nigeria’s grid can now carry up to 8,700MW without collapsing. Two years ago, the grid would fail at 5,000MW. Today, it handles 5,800MW consistently, thanks to upgrades from TCN and the FGN Power Company.
In 2024, TCN installed 61 new transformers with a combined capacity of 5,589 MVA. In Q1 2025, it added nine more transformers in Lagos, Benin, Bauchi, Oshogbo, Kano, and Kaduna. The 2025 budget includes ₦25 billion to help TCN complete over 100 pending projects.
The Presidential Power Initiative also added 700MW to the grid across 13 sites.
150 Million Nigerians Now Have Electricity Access
According to Adelabu, 150 million Nigerians currently have access to electricity. However, around 80 million people still lack reliable power. He stressed that access is not enough—electricity must also be affordable and stable.
The government is now working on regionalizing the grid. This supergrid model includes eastern and western segments. If one region experiences a fault, others can remain functional. Adelabu called this a vital step toward national energy security.
Kaduna Power Plant to Go Live in 2025
The previously abandoned Kaduna Power Plant is 87% complete and will be operational by the end of 2025. The 215MW facility had been idle since 2018. Adelabu’s inspection led to President Tinubu’s approval for its revival.
He confirmed that work has resumed. “We’ll finish it before the year ends,” he said.
