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The Federal Government has launched the Nigeria pilot phase of the Africa Mini-Grid Program (AMP), a renewable energy initiative designed to expand electricity access in underserved communities while supporting agriculture, rural businesses and economic development
Speaking at the programme’s launch in Abuja, the Minister of Power reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving electricity access through renewable energy solutions. The minister said the administration was prepared to make the necessary decisions to transform Nigeria’s power sector and ensure more communities benefit from reliable electricity
The programme, implemented through a partnership between the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), has delivered 23 new mini-grids across Nigeria. The installations are providing electricity to previously underserved communities while supporting productive economic activities, particularly in agriculture and small-scale enterprise
The minister described the initiative as a strong example of how collaboration and innovation can accelerate sustainable energy access across the country. Beyond providing electricity, the programme is helping to improve livelihoods, strengthen local economies and create opportunities for businesses to thrive
A key feature of the initiative is its focus on the productive use of renewable energy. The mini-grids are powering agricultural processing, storage facilities and other income-generating activities, enabling rural entrepreneurs and farmers to increase productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and expand their businesses
The Rural Electrification Agency said the programme demonstrates the impact of strategic partnerships in delivering sustainable energy solutions. According to the agency, the 23 completed mini-grids have created new economic opportunities for thousands of people while supporting the Federal Government’s goal of ensuring no community is left behind in the country’s electrification drive
The agency noted that the programme’s success is reflected in the growing number of rural businesses benefiting from reliable electricity. Farmers are now able to process and store produce closer to their farms, agro-processors have increased productivity, small businesses can operate for longer hours, and new technical jobs have emerged within host communities
Officials also stressed that future rural electrification projects must go beyond providing electricity by supporting food security, climate resilience, enterprise development and inclusive economic growth
The United Nations said Nigeria is well positioned to lead Africa’s transition to renewable energy because of its abundant renewable re According to the organisation, mini-grids are more than electricity projects, as they also provide power for schools, healthcare centres, farms and businesses while stimulating local economic development
The UNDP described the initiative as an important shift in how energy infrastructure is viewed, noting that electricity should serve as an economic enabler that drives productivity, investment, employment and business growth
According to the organisation, the 23 pilot mini-grids have shown that renewable energy can create opportunities for farmers, agro-processors, healthcare providers, small businesses and young entrepreneurs while strengthening local economies
UNDP also noted that Nigeria has emerged as the leading country implementing the Africa Mini-Grid Programme. It added that ongoing electricity sector reforms are creating new opportunities for state governments to attract investment into decentralized renewable energy systems
The organization said lessons from the Nigerian pilot demonstrate that clean energy, agricultural productivity, climate action, job creation and economic development can be advanced simultaneously through strong partnerships and sustained investment
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NNPC Begins Evaluation of Chinese Partnership to Revive Port Harcourt and Warri Refineries
Published
6 hours ago
on
July 4, 2026
By
Olusola Blessing
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) says its recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Chinese companies for the rehabilitation and operation of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries has entered a rigorous evaluation stage
The company said the proposed partnership is aimed at creating commerciallyother short-term rehabilitation programme
Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Bayo Ojulari, disclosed the development in a statement shared on his official X account amid growing calls from petroleum marketers for the Federal Government to accelerate efforts to restore Nigeria’s state-owned refineries
According to Ojulari, reviving the country’s refining assets requires more than replacing ageing equipment and carrying out repairs
He explained that the company is adopting a performance-based business partnership model focused on long-term operational efficiency, profitability, and sustainability
Ojulari stressed that the recently signed memorandum should not be interpreted as a final agreement, describing it instead as a framework for exploring a potential partnership
He noted that the current phase involves detailed technical and commercial evaluations before any binding commitments are made
According to him, the prospective Chinese partners are funding the entire due diligence process, allowing decisions to be based on technical assessments, commercial realities, and reliable operational data without additional financial burden on NNPC
Beyond restoring refinery operations, Ojulari said the discussions are expected to stimulate broader investments across Nigeria’s energy sector
He explained that the proposed collaboration includes plans to expand the country’s petrochemical industry and support investments in gas-based industries, including the development of new methanol plants
NNPC signed the memorandum on April 30, 2026, with Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd. to explore the rehabilitation and possible co-management of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries under a new business model
The proposed partnership is expected to provide technical expertise, financing support, and operational efficiency to address years of poor performance, repeated shutdowns, and financial losses
The Port Harcourt Refining Company operates two plants with a combined installed capacity of 210,000 barrels per day, while the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company has an installed capacity of 125,000 barrels per day
Together with the Kaduna refinery, which has a capacity of 110,000 barrels per day, Nigeria’s state-owned refineries have received billions of dollars in rehabilitation funding over the years but have continued to struggle with sustainable production
The latest development comes as petroleum marketers continue to urge the Federal Government and NNPC to conclude negotiations with experienced international partners capable of transforming the facilities into commercially successful businesses
National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Billy Gillis-Harry, recently called for the speedy conclusion of discussions, arguing that Nigeria can no longer sustain repeated spending on refinery rehabilitation without achieving consistent refining operations
Industry stakeholders believe that successfully reviving the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries would reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products, strengthen energy security, conserve foreign exchange, and complement supplies from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and other modular refineries
The outcome of the ongoing evaluation process is expected to determine whether the proposed partnership can finally deliver sustainable operations for Nigeria’s long-troubled state-owned refineries
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Business
NASENI, AMG Train and Equip 50 Women in Renewable Energy to Boost Entrepreneurship
Published
1 week ago
on
June 26, 2026
By
Blessing Joseph
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), in partnership with AMG Worldwide Limited, has trained and equipped 50 women in Kano with practical renewable energy skills to promote entrepreneurship and expand women’s participation in Nigeria’s clean energy sector
The beneficiaries received certificates and NASENI-branded toolkits after completing hands-on training in solar energy installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting under theShe-Powers Energy Initiative, enabling them to begin offering renewable energy services immediately
Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Kano, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Khalil Halilu, said the initiative is designed to create women entrepreneurs and renewable energy champions capable of driving economic growth within their communities
“When many people think about energy, they think about power plants, transmission lines and infrastructure. At NASENI, we think about people. Behind every solar panel is a household, behind every innovation is a livelihood, and behind every technology is an opportunity to improve lives,” he said
Halilu noted that the increasing demand for renewable energy solutions presents significant opportunities for job creation, business development, and improved access to clean energy. He added that the programme forms part of a broader nationwide women empowerment initiative through which thousands of women have benefited from skills development in agriculture, drone technology, renewable energy, and other sectors
He explained that providing toolkits alongside certification ensures beneficiaries can immediately launch their businesses without relying on borrowed equipment. He also highlighted the importance of empowering women in northern communities, where cultural norms often make it easier for female technicians to access certain households for solar installation and maintenance services
Representing Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, the Senior Special Adviser on Women Education, Yasmin Murtar, commended the initiative, describing it as a significant contribution to women’s economic empowerment and technical skills development
She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting programmes that equip women with practical and entrepreneurial skills capable of improving livelihoods
Also speaking, the Head Training Facilitator at AMG Worldwide Limited, Munir Ibrahim, said the programme had transformed participants into renewable energy professionals capable of providing quality solar solutions
He encouraged the beneficiaries to leverage their newly acquired knowledge and tools to establish sustainable businesses, create employment opportunities, and contribute to expanding clean energy access in their communities
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Energy
Sahara Group Launches $5,000 Energy Reporting Fellowship to Strengthen Africa’s Energy Journalism
Published
2 weeks ago
on
June 23, 2026
By
Blessing Joseph
To strengthen energy journalism and improve the quality of reporting on Africa’s energy transition, Sahara Group has launched the Asharami Square Energy Reporting Fellowship, offering up to $5,000 in grants alongside mentorship opportunities and access to industry experts for selected journalists across the continent
The Fellowship is an extension of Asharami Square, Sahara Group’s flagship thought leadership platform, designed to promote sustainability and deepen conversations around Africa’s evolving energy landscape
According to Sahara Group, the initiative is aimed at strengthening storytelling and improving the quality of energy reporting across Africa by supporting journalists to produce accurate, contextual and solution-driven content
Director of Governance and Sustainability at Sahara Group, Ejiro Gray, said the initiative responds to the growing need for deeper and more impactful journalism in the energy sector
“As the energy landscape becomes more complex, the need for accurate, contextual, and impactful reporting becomes even more critical. This Fellowship is designed to support journalists in telling stories that go beyond headlines and uncover the real dynamics shaping Africa’s energy future,” she said
Also speaking, Head of Corporate Communications at Sahara Group, Bethel Obioma, said the Fellowship is focused on empowering storytellers to drive better public understanding of energy issues
He noted that journalists play a key role in shaping narratives that influence policy, investment and public awareness across the continent
“At Sahara Group, we believe storytelling is a powerful driver of progress. With the Fellowship, we are going a step further to support the storytellers themselves, enabling a new wave of journalists across Africa to unearth untold energy stories, spotlight practical solutions, and contribute meaningfully to the continent’s energy future,” he said
Interested journalists from across Africa—covering print, electronic and digital media—are expected to submit well-researched, original stories through the Fellowship portal
Entries must be published or broadcast within the eligibility window and should focus on underreported energy issues while highlighting practical and forward-looking solutions for Africa’s energy development
An independent jury of experts in energy journalism and sustainable development will assess submissions
The Fellowship offers up to $5,000 in funding, alongside mentorship, immersive learning and industry exposure aimed at building a new generation of energy journalists capable of shaping Africa’s energy discourse
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