By Muhammad Sal
The Managing Director of Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, declared on August 25, 2025, that solar power stands out as the most economically feasible energy model for the country’s rural and underserved communities.
Speaking on Channels Television, Aliyu emphasized explorations of other renewable energy methods, stating solar’s leading role.
Aliyu outlined that the agency is actively considering various energy solutions, including wind and biomass.
However, solar energy has proven to be the most cost-effective at present. Biomass projects were paused due to high tariffs linked to expensive processing and transportation logistics. Meanwhile, recent collaboration with the Nigerian Wind Energy Council aims to develop economically viable small wind infrastructures within allowed tariff limits. The solar program’s success is evident in its extensive deployment of mini-grids and interconnected systems, which power schools, hospitals, and rural businesses.
Of particular interest is the tariff disparity in rural areas, some communities pay higher electricity rates than urban Band A customers, stating the high infrastructure costs incurred by the agency in remote locations. These tariffs range from around N250 to N280 per kilowatt-hour, compared to Band A’s rate of N209.50. Despite the higher fees, many rural residents willingly purchase tokens via mobile phones to sustain their reliable electricity access, showing the value they place on stable power supply.
Solar power remains at the forefront of rural electrification strategies, driving economic growth and improved quality of life in remote communities, as Nigeria pushes forward with its energy transformation agenda. The REA’s endeavors are set to provide a more sustainable and inclusive power future for Nigeria, with continued efforts to diversify energy resources and manage tariffs.
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