By Tiamiyu Prudence Arobani<\/p>\n
The United Nations has highlighted Nigeria\u2019s rural electrification programme as a successful example of expanding electricity access through targeted subsidies and private investment.<\/p>\n
The recognition is contained in the World Social Report 2026, released by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA).<\/p>\n
The report identifies Nigeria\u2019s Electrification Project as an example of how developing countries can expand access to affordable energy among underserved populations.<\/p>\n
Citing earlier World Bank data, the UN said the programme supported the establishment of 125 mini-grids and the sale of more than one million solar home systems.<\/p>\n
It said these interventions provided electricity access to more than five million Nigerians and supported the creation of over 5,000 green jobs.<\/p>\n
The report described Nigeria\u2019s use of subsidies for rural mini-grids as a successful policy experience in combining affordable electricity with private-sector participation.<\/p>\n
It explained that targeted financial support could help lower electricity costs for poorer households while encouraging investment in underserved communities.<\/p>\n
The UN also identified Nigeria and Ghana as countries pioneering the integration of solar panels into agricultural land.<\/p>\n
According to the report, such initiatives could enable farmers to generate electricity while continuing food production on the same land.<\/p>\n
It said integrating renewable energy with agriculture could strengthen food security, improve water management and expand economic opportunities in rural communities.<\/p>\n
The report also assessed Nigeria\u2019s performance in a new framework measuring economic transformation alongside social inclusion.<\/p>\n
Nigeria recorded a transformation score of 44.30 and an inclusiveness score of 56.36, producing a combined index score of 100.67.<\/p>\n
The assessment forms part of a comparative analysis covering 168 countries and examining economic, digital, energy and social development over 2000\u20132024.<\/p>\n
The UN emphasised that economic growth and technological progress did not automatically guarantee that vulnerable populations would benefit from development.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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