The United Nations, UN, has recognized Nigeria’s rural electrification programme as an example of how targeted subsidies and private investment can expand electricity access in underserved communities.
The recognition appears in the World Social Report 2026, released by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
The report cites Nigeria’s Electrification Project as an example of how developing countries can improve access to affordable energy for underserved populations.
Drawing on earlier World Bank data, the UN said the programme supported the establishment of 125 mini-grids and the sale of more than one million solar home systems.
The interventions provided electricity access to more than five million Nigerians and supported the creation of over 5,000 green jobs.
The report described subsidies for rural mini-grids as a successful policy approach that combines affordable electricity with private-sector participation.
It explained that targeted financial support could reduce electricity costs for low-income households while encouraging businesses to invest in communities with limited access to power.
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The UN also identified Nigeria and Ghana as pioneers in integrating solar panels into agricultural land.
The approach, known as agrivoltaics, allows farmers to generate electricity while continuing food production on the same land.
The report said combining renewable energy with agriculture could strengthen food security, improve water management and create economic opportunities in rural communities.
It also assessed Nigeria’s performance using a framework that measures economic transformation alongside social inclusion.
Nigeria recorded a transformation score of 44.30 and an inclusiveness score of 56.36, resulting in a combined index score of 100.67.
The assessment forms part of a comparative analysis of 168 countries, examining economic, digital, energy and social development between 2000 and 2024.
The UN stressed that economic growth and technological progress do not automatically ensure that vulnerable populations benefit from development.
NAN
