Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency, NEMSA, has launched national guidelines for the interconnection of solar mini-grids to electricity distribution networks, a move aimed at accelerating renewable energy deployment and expanding electricity access across Nigeria.
The agency also received advanced solar testing equipment to strengthen its capacity for inspection, certification and quality assurance of renewable energy installations nationwide.
The initiative, supported by the European Union, the Government of Germany and the Nigerian Energy Support Programme, NESP, was unveiled at a ceremony in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEMSA, Engr. Olusegun Adesayo, described the guidelines as a major milestone in Nigeria’s renewable energy development drive.
According to him, “The Guidelines represent a major step toward ensuring the safe, reliable and efficient integration of solar mini-grids into existing distribution networks.”
Adesayo noted that solar mini-grids have emerged as a critical solution for providing electricity to underserved and unserved communities, making the establishment of clear technical and operational standards essential.
He explained that the framework would help guarantee grid stability, power quality, reliability and public safety as renewable energy projects continue to grow across the country.
The NEMSA chief added that the guidelines provide investors, developers, distribution companies, regulators and other industry stakeholders with a clear roadmap for deploying interconnected solar mini-grids in compliance with the Electricity Act 2023, NERC regulations, NEMSA standards and international best practices.
Declaring the event open, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Power, Alhaji Mahmuda Mamman, commended NEMSA and its development partners for advancing Nigeria’s renewable energy agenda.
Mamman stressed that renewable energy remains central to the Federal Government’s efforts to improve electricity access, strengthen energy security and drive sustainable economic development.
Also speaking, the Head of Cooperation at the German Embassy in Nigeria, Dr. Karin Jasen, said the guidelines would enhance safety, consistency and investor confidence in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding solar mini-grid market.
She noted that the framework would also promote compliance with international standards and create a more predictable operating environment for renewable energy investors.
The advanced solar testing equipment handed over to NEMSA under NESP Phase III is expected to significantly improve the agency’s field inspection and certification capabilities, supporting the development of safer, more reliable and higher-quality renewable energy infrastructure across Nigeria.
