The Rural Electrification Agency says the Mini-Grid Regulations 2026 could widen access to electricity for millions of Nigerians in unserved and underserved Communities.
Managing Director of the REA, Dr. Abba Aliyu, said the new regulation addresses long-standing bottlenecks that delayed projects, slowed investment and limited power connections in many parts of the country.
Aliyu said the agency had engaged NERC since 2024 and made detailed submissions based on challenges faced in delivering rural electrification projects. He said many of those recommendations were reflected in the final regulation released by the commission.
He described the new framework as the most significant update to Nigeria’s mini-grid regime in years. According to him, the regulation tackles structural problems that have slowed large-scale deployment.
One of the key changes is the increase in capacity thresholds. Under the new rules, isolated mini-grids can now operate up to 5 megawatts, while interconnected mini-grids can go up to 10 megawatts. Aliyu said the change would allow developers to build systems that better match demand without being pushed into more complex utility-scale regulatory requirements.
He also said the regulation introduces a single permit covering generation, distribution and supply. That, he said, removes the burden of dual licensing that previously increased costs and delayed projects.
Aliyu added that the framework now provides clearer rules for dealing with distribution companies. He said the regulation includes timelines and safeguards that could reduce unnecessary delays for viable projects.
He also pointed to what he described as a more practical environmental compliance pathway for solar photovoltaic and battery systems. He said the regulation also defines energisation timelines, closing a gap that had affected project commissioning.
“These are not just policy updates. They are structural changes that will accelerate deployment, improve investor confidence, and ultimately expand access to reliable electricity for millions of Nigerians,” Aliyu said.
He thanked NERC Chairman Musiliu Oseni and the commission’s team for what he called their openness to collaboration and commitment to strengthening the electricity sector.
NERC said the regulation is designed to expand electricity access, especially in unserved and underserved areas, while promoting safety, fairness, consumer protection and investment certainty. The rules also require mini-grids below 100 kilowatts to be registered, while projects above that threshold must obtain permits from the commission
