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), is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s growing mini-grid market, improve electricity access and provide a clear framework for safe grid integration nationwide.

The EU and the German government also handed over advanced solar testing equipment to NEMSA to support nationwide field inspections of solar mini-grid installations.

The equipment was procured under the third phase of the Nigerian Energy Support Programme, aimed at strengthening technical capacity and enhancing quality assurance across Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.

Declaring the event open, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Power, Mahmuda Mamman, congratulated NEMSA on the initiative and appreciated development partners for their sustained support to the power sector.

Mr Mamman, represented by Umar Mustapha, director of distribution services at the Ministry of Power, said solar mini-grids played a strategic role in advancing the federal government’s goal of expanding electricity access.

He said solar mini-grids also improved energy security, supported productive activities and contributed significantly to sustainable economic development, particularly in underserved and unserved communities across the country.

“Across Nigeria, interconnected and isolated solar mini-grids are increasingly providing reliable electricity supply to communities, businesses and productive users who previously lacked adequate access to power.

“As this segment of the electricity market continues to grow, it becomes imperative to establish a clear technical and operational framework,” he said.

He also highlighted the sector’s rapid expansion nationwide.

“That will ensure safety, reliability and efficient coordination between solar mini-grid systems and the existing distribution infrastructure,” he said while emphasising the importance of standards and regulatory compliance measures.

Mr Mamman described the inauguration of the guidelines as a timely and commendable intervention that would support the orderly development of the mini-grid market and enhance confidence among stakeholders nationwide.

“I wish to commend NEMSA for demonstrating leadership in the development of this document and for its continuing commitment to enforcing technical and operational safety across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

“I also acknowledge the support provided by the Nigerian Energy Support Programme, the EU, the government of Germany and GIZ towards the successful development of the guidelines,” he added.

Mr Mamman further emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships and embracing innovative solutions that can accelerate energy access, improve reliability, and support the nation’s broader development objectives.

NEMSA managing director and chief electrical inspector of the federation, Olusegun Adesayo, thanked the EU and German government for their continuous technical assistance and institutional support.

Mr Adesayo reaffirmed NEMSA’s commitment to strengthening the expanding mini-grid market as part of its statutory mandate to enforce technical standards and ensure safety across the electricity sector.

According to him, NEMSA’s mandate also includes ensuring quality installations, promoting compliance with regulations and supporting reliable electricity supply for consumers and businesses across the country.

“The guidelines will provide comprehensive procedures, technical parameters, interconnection models and operational standards for integrating solar mini-grids into distribution networks without compromising grid stability, quality, sustainability and public safety.

“The guidelines also seek to reduce uncertainties for investors and developers while strengthening collaboration among mini-grid developers, operators and other stakeholders,” he said.

According to him, the newly provided testing equipment will significantly enhance the quality, accuracy and efficiency of solar mini-grid inspections, assessments and compliance monitoring activities nationwide.

Massimo De Luca, head of cooperation at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said that the increasing deployment of interconnected mini-grids required strict adherence to technical standards and operational requirements.

According to him, standards remain essential when integrating private-sector-led mini-grids into distribution company networks, ensuring compatibility, reliability, and safe operations throughout the electricity value chain.

“So, I am happy to see this and other accomplishments, not only standards but also the equipment for testing that needs to be deployed when the mini-grids are set up,” he said.

Mr De Luca reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s energy transition agenda and electrification ambitions through strategic partnerships, technical assistance and investments in sustainable energy solutions.

Karin Jansen, head of development cooperation at the German Embassy in Nigeria, said Germany was proud to support Nigeria’s efforts to expand energy access nationwide.

Ms Jansen said the guidelines would provide clear direction for developers, distribution companies, financiers, stakeholders, development partners and prospective investors seeking opportunities within Nigeria’s renewable energy market.

“This will bring uniformity for such projects while ensuring that interconnected solar mini-grids are developed in a manner that is safe, efficient and aligned with international best practices.

“Through the long-standing Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), we have worked closely with government institutions and sector stakeholders to promote policy reforms, capacity development and market-based solutions.

“In this context, we are pleased to support NEMSA not only through the development of these guidelines but also through the provision of solar testing equipment. We trust that these tools will further strengthen the agency’s technical capacity to carry out inspections, quality assurance and compliance activities, thereby improving efficiency and sector performance,” she added.

Duke Benjamin, head of programme at NESP, commended NEMSA for its longstanding partnership and collaborative efforts throughout the development of the newly inaugurated national guidelines.

Mr Benjamin said NESP would continue to support the agency through capacity-building initiatives designed to strengthen its capabilities and enhance the effective delivery of regulatory responsibilities across the power sector.

(NAN)