NSIA Partners All On to Improve Access to Energy Across Deprived Communities
James Emejo in Abuja
The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and All On, a Nigerian impact investor focused on renewable energy, have joined forces to provide solar power and opportunities to energy-deprived communities across the country.
The solution will be deployed through the Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE), a transformative approach that utilizes small-scale solutions like solar mini-grids and home systems to reach areas abandoned by traditional grid infrastructure.
Realising the immense potential of the project, the Managing Director/Chief Executive, NSIA, Aminu Umar-Sadiq, called for continued investment from development partners, providing both capital and technical assistance.
Umar-Sadiq specifically challenged the private sector to innovate and develop scalable, affordable DRE solutions, as well as pledged support from the authority.
He said: “We are committed to leading the charge in this collective effort. We are working closely with partners to address the barriers to DRE adoption and to scale up its deployment across Africa.
“We believe that DRE is not just a solution to energy poverty, but a catalyst for a more sustainable, equitable and prosperous future.”
According to him, DRE is central to NSIA’s Renewable Investment Platform for Limitless Energy (RIPLE), which seeks to achieve expanded energy access to the unserved and underserved segments of the population.
He said RIPLE is expected to target displacement of diesel-powered generation for commercial and industrial consumers.
NSIA is actively demonstrating its commitment through initiatives including the Construction Finance Warehouse Facility (CFWF), established in collaboration with InfraCredit.
According to him, “This N10 billion facility unlocks long-term capital for sustainable greenfield infrastructure projects, attracting further investment through domestic capital markets.”
He, however, called for more enabling policies, financial incentives and streamlined regulatory processes which are essential for DRE to reach its full potential.
“This commitment to DRE by NSIA and All On, marks a new dawn for energy-deprived communities in Nigeria.
“As DRE illuminates villages and towns across the country, it signifies more than just access to electricity – it represents a pathway to economic growth, empowerment, and a brighter future for millions,” he said.
On his part, the Managing Director, All On,
Caroline Eboumbou, said DRE offers agility and efficiency, capable of illuminating remote villages and towns overlooked for far too long.
She said: “Mini-grids alone hold the potential to empower millions of low-income households and small businesses, while generating a staggering $10 billion in annual revenue – a tantalizing prospect for a nation grappling with energy challenges.
“However, unlocking this bright future requires more than just technology. This is where All On’s Demand Aggregation for Renewable Technologies (DART) programme steps in.”
Launched in 2022, DART acts as a powerful catalyst, bringing together multiple DRE developers and negotiating advantageous prices for renewable energy components and secure financing from commercial lenders.
Eboumbou said: “In less than two years, DART has funded 12 companies, paving the way for over 40 mini-grids and 47,000 connections. Over 230,000 lives and businesses are set to be positively impacted, a testament to DRE’s transformative power.
“One shining example is the Chito Community project in Benue State. This 350KW mini-grid, the largest isolated project in the state, will positively impact the lives of over 7,000 households and businesses, opening doors to new possibilities and economic growth.
“The impact of DRE extends far beyond mere illumination. Clean, reliable energy fosters economic development, empowers entrepreneurship, and strengthens healthcare services.
“It empowers communities, particularly women, to participate meaningfully in the economy and shape their own destinies.”
