The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), with support from the German Government and the European Union (EU), on Tuesday inaugurated the National Guidelines for Interconnecting Solar Mini-Grids to Distribution Networks in Abuja.
The initiative, implemented through the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), aims to strengthen Nigeria’s growing mini-grid market, improve electricity access, and establish a clear framework for safe grid integration nationwide.
It was also reported that the EU and German Government handed over advanced solar testing equipment to NEMSA to support inspections of solar mini-grid installations across Nigeria.
The equipment was procured under the third phase of NESP, focused on strengthening technical capacity and quality assurance in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.
Declaring the event open, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Power, Alhaji Mahmuda Mamman, congratulated NEMSA and appreciated development partners for their ongoing support.
Represented by Mr. Umar Mustapha, Director of Distribution Services, Mamman emphasized that solar mini-grids are crucial for expanding electricity access, improving energy security, supporting productive activities, and fostering sustainable economic growth, especially in underserved communities.
“Across Nigeria, interconnected and isolated solar mini-grids are increasingly providing reliable electricity to communities, businesses, and productive users previously lacking power,” he said. “As this market segment grows, establishing a clear technical and operational framework is essential to ensure safety, reliability, and efficient coordination with existing infrastructure.”
He highlighted the importance of standards and regulatory compliance, describing the guidelines as a timely intervention that would support orderly mini-grid development and boost stakeholder confidence nationwide.
Mamman commended NEMSA’s leadership in developing the guidelines and acknowledged the support from NESP, the EU, Germany, and GIZ.
He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to partnerships and innovative solutions to accelerate energy access, reliability, and broader development goals.
NEMSA Managing Director and Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation, Mr. Olusegun Adesayo, thanked the EU and German Government for their ongoing technical support.
Adesayo reaffirmed NEMSA’s role in strengthening the mini-grid market by enforcing technical standards and ensuring safety across Nigeria’s electricity sector.
He explained that the guidelines provide procedures, technical parameters, interconnection models, and operational standards to integrate solar mini-grids without compromising grid stability, quality, or safety. They also aim to reduce uncertainties for investors and improve collaboration among stakeholders.
The new testing equipment will enhance the quality, accuracy, and efficiency of inspections and compliance activities nationwide.
Mr. Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasized the importance of adhering to technical standards when deploying mini-grids to ensure compatibility, reliability, and safety.
He reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s energy transition through partnerships, technical assistance, and investments in sustainable energy.
Dr. Karin Jansen, Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy in Nigeria, expressed pride in supporting Nigeria’s efforts to expand energy access.
She highlighted that the guidelines will provide clear direction for developers, utilities, financiers, and investors, ensuring mini-grids are safe, efficient, and aligned with international best practices.
Jansen noted that through NESP, Germany has collaborated with Nigerian institutions and stakeholders to promote policy reforms, capacity building, and market-based solutions. The support includes developing these guidelines and providing solar testing equipment to boost NEMSA’s technical capacity and improve sector performance.
Mr. Duke Benjamin, Head of Programme at NESP, praised NEMSA’s partnership and efforts in developing the guidelines and affirmed that NESP will continue supporting the agency through capacity-building initiatives to enhance regulatory effectiveness in Nigeria’s power sector.
