Nigeria has taken another significant step toward accelerating universal energy access, as the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the ambitious Mission 300 initiative through the strategic rollout of the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) project. The renewed assurance emerged from a high-level engagement convened by the Ministry of Finance and Coordinating Ministry of the Economy, bringing together senior government officials, World Bank leadership, and key stakeholders across the renewable energy ecosystem to align priorities and accelerate clean energy deployment nationwide.

The strategic meeting centered on evaluating Nigeria’s progress under Mission 300, strengthening collaboration with development partners, and defining practical pathways for expanding sustainable electricity access. Participants included the Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu; Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun; World Bank Managing Director of Operations, Ms. Anna Bjerde; REA Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Abba Aliyu; Head of the Nigeria Electrification Programme (NEP), Mr. Olufemi Akinyelure; Managing Director of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, Mr. Aminu Umar-Sadiq; and the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Sustainable Energy for All, Ms. Damilola Ogunbiyi, among other stakeholders.

Discussions explored scalable deployment models, innovative financing mechanisms, and policy frameworks required to accelerate renewable energy adoption. Stakeholders emphasized stronger institutional coordination, improved policy alignment, and the integration of technology-driven solutions to enhance efficiency and ensure sustainable outcomes.

In his keynote remarks, The MD/CEO of REA, Dr. Abba Aliyu highlighted measurable progress supporting Mission 300, including the rapid growth of Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs), increasing local photovoltaic manufacturing capacity with potential output of up to 3.7GW, and expanding international partnerships driving knowledge exchange. He also underscored the development of a strong talent pipeline through initiatives such as NextGen, alongside rising fintech participation and data-driven operational systems that are improving deployment across underserved communities.

Providing further insights update, the head, Nigeria Electrification Programme Mr. Olufemi Akinyelure outlined the forward trajectory of the DARES project, emphasizing its role in boosting productivity, supporting economic growth, and expanding access through interconnected and isolated mini-grids, standalone solar solutions, and electrification of public institutions.

Meanwhile the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Sustainable Energy for All, Ms. Damilola Ogunbiyi noted that Nigeria holds a significant opportunity to transform energy access through coordinated delivery led by the Ministries of Power and Finance through the Compact Delivery and Monitoring Unit (CDMU).

As the 2030 target draws closer, the engagement reaffirmed a shared commitment to collaboration, innovation, and accelerated implementation, signaling strong partnerships and strategic execution, Nigeria is steadily turning the vision of reliable, inclusive energy access into measurable reality.