As Nigeria continues to grapple with persistent power outages, low electricity supply and repeated collapses of the national grid, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have proposed a combined expenditure of N30.34 billion on solar mini-grids, inverters and solar-powered generators in the 2026 budget. An analysis of the budget indicates that the funds are earmarked to provide alternative power for government facilities, schools and selected communities across the country.
A breakdown of the proposed spending shows that the State House is the single largest spender, with a planned allocation of N7 billion for a solar mini-grid to electrify key infrastructure at the seat of power. The National Centre for Technology Management, Ile-Ife, also proposed N7 billion for the construction and installation of sustainable clean energy systems in selected communities, partly to address security concerns. In addition, the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria plans to spend N3.5 billion on eco-friendly mini-grid solar projects to power communities in the South-South and South-East zones to boost productivity.
Other MDAs listed in the budget include the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute, Lagos, which plans to spend N1.26 billion on solar power generators for the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences in Ebonyi State and an additional N1.05 billion on a solar-powered mini-grid at its Abuja headquarters. The National Productivity Centre proposed N1.05 billion to provide mini-grids for schools in Zamfara Central Senatorial District, while the National Space Research and Development Agency plans to deploy N910 million for a 2.5MW solar power plant to power its ground station and antenna hub. The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation also proposed N700 million to upgrade its solar power system to a mini-grid.