The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) has launched the National Guidelines for Interconnecting Solar Mini-Grids to Distribution Networks, with support from the European Union, the Government of Germany, and the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP).
The launch, held in Abuja, also featured the handover of advanced solar testing equipment to strengthen NEMSA’s inspection, certification, and quality assurance capacity for renewable energy installations across Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the MD/CEO NEMSA and Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation, Engr. Olusegun Adesayo, FNSE, described the Guidelines as a major step toward ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient integration of solar mini grids into existing distribution networks.
According to him, solar mini grids have become a critical solution for expanding electricity access to underserved and unserved communities, making clear technical and operational standards necessary for grid stability, power quality, reliability, and public safety.
Engr. Adesayo noted that the Guidelines provide investors, developers, distribution companies, regulators, and other stakeholders with a clear framework for the deployment of interconnected solar mini grids in line with the Electricity Act 2023, NERC regulations, NEMSA standards, and international best practices.
Declaring the event open, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Alhaji Mahmuda Mamman, commended NEMSA and the Development partners for their partnership, stressing that renewable energy remains central to the Federal Government’s drive to improve electricity access, energy security, and sustainable economic development.
Also speaking at the launch, the Head of Cooperation, German Embassy in Nigeria, Dr. Karin Jasen, said the Guidelines would promote safety, consistency, investor confidence, and compliance with international standards in Nigeria’s growing solar mini-grid market.
The advanced solar testing equipment, procured under NESP Phase III, is expected to enhance NEMSA’s field inspection capacity and support safer, more reliable renewable energy infrastructure across the country.