In a decisive move toward advancing Nigeria’s clean energy future, the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) through the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), on the 16th of October 2025, convened a high-level stakeholder consultation in Abuja to review the draft Guidelines for Interconnecting Solar Mini-Grids to Distribution Networks.
The one-day forum brought together major players across the power value chain, including the Federal Ministry of Power, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Distribution Companies (DisCos), Rural Electrification Agency (REA), solar developers, and renewable energy associations, to harmonize perspectives and strengthen the framework for safer, smarter, and more sustainable grid integration.
Declaring the session open, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Power, Alhaji Mahmuda Mamman, commended NEMSA, GIZ, and their partners from the European Union and German Government for organizing what he described as a “timely and forward-looking dialogue.” He emphasized that achieving universal access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity remains a national imperative, reaffirming the government’s goal to achieve 30% renewable energy contribution to Nigeria’s electricity mix by 2030 under the Energy Transition Plan.
“Solar mini-grids have become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s energy transition agenda. This consultation provides a crucial platform to develop a harmonized and enforceable framework for integrating mini-grids into the national distribution network safely, reliably, and sustainably,” — Alhaji Mahmuda Mamman, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power.
In his welcome remarks, Engr. Aliyu Tukur Tahir, Managing Director/CEO of NEMSA and Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation, reiterated the agency’s unwavering commitment to safety, technical excellence, and innovation within the power sector. He noted that as solar mini-grids continue to expand into rural and peri-urban communities, structured interconnection with the main grid must uphold the highest safety and technical standards.
“Our objective is to provide a framework that enhances access, protects investments, and guarantees safety across the electricity value chain. The guidelines we are reviewing today will serve as a roadmap for safe, seamless, and sustainable grid integration,” he said.
The consultation featured breakout sessions where participants reviewed key components of the draft guidelines, including interconnection models, operational processes, technical requirements, and documentation. Among the notable recommendations were the introduction of tripartite agreements involving developers, DisCos, and host communities; establishment of clear compensation mechanisms for developers upon grid arrival; and the inclusion of explicit testing and safety standards to ensure reliability.
The forum also highlighted the importance of flexibility in interconnection models, the need for State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) to play a role where applicable, and stronger provisions for environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs) within mini-grid projects.
The outcomes of the consultation will inform the next revision of the draft guidelines, which will undergo further validation before final approval and nationwide adoption.
Representatives from the European Union, GIZ, and NESP reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Nigeria’s renewable energy goals through continued collaboration, technical assistance, and capacity development.
Established under the NEMSA Act of 2015, the agency is mandated to enforce technical standards and regulations, inspect, test, and certify electrical installations, meters, and instruments to safeguard lives and property. The Electricity Act 2023 further empowers NEMSA to perform electrical inspectorate services and ensure technical compliance across Nigeria’s power sector.
As Nigeria pursues a smarter, greener, and more inclusive power sector, the partnership between NEMSA, GIZ, and the Federal Ministry of Power underscores a shared vision; one where safety, sustainability, and innovation power the nation’s energy future.
Ama Umoren Mrs.
Head, Communications & Protocol