Nigeria's North-East Development Commission approves N100bn solar project

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) board approved a N100 billion investment to deploy a 50‑megawatt solar mini‑grid programme across the six states of Nigeria’s North‑East. Managing Director Mohammed Alkali announced the plan at a press briefing in Abuja, saying reliable electricity is essential for schools, hospitals, markets, industrial parks and small businesses, where about 61 % of residents currently lack power.

The solar deployment is part of NEDC’s third‑phase regional master plan, which also includes a proposed regional railway, a regional airline, an electric‑vehicle rollout starting with 300 electric taxis and minibuses, and a N30 billion MSME development fund aimed at youth‑ and women‑owned businesses. The commission aims to achieve universal electricity access in the North‑East by 2030, partnering with the Rural Electrification Agency and other development partners.