ENUGU STATE OFF-GRID ELECTRIFICATION POLICY

The Enugu State Off-Grid Electrification (OGE) Policy, approved by the State Executive Council on 24 January 2025, sets out the State's plan to deliver reliable, affordable and clean electricity to unserved and underserved communities through distributed renewable energy, including solar home systems, solar energy systems and mini-grids. It supports the State's goal of 690MW generation with a 20-hour power supply by 2030 and its target of growing GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion by 2031. For investors, the Policy offers a clear enabling environment. The State will provide tax exemptions on eligible State taxes, duties and fees; may issue guarantees to build investor confidence; will provide or facilitate access to land and infrastructure; and may waive application fees, Certificate of Occupancy fees and ground rents. The Enugu State Electrification Agency will review these incentives regularly and liaise with federal bodies such as the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission. Opportunities span several sectors: rural households and businesses; health centres, where only 52% of primary health centres are grid-connected; the planned 260 smart schools; agro-industrial processing zones and agricultural clusters; and industrial parks and special economic zones. Public-private partnerships are encouraged, and the State Electrification Fund will draw on budget allocations, donor and climate finance, and may provide consumer financing and result-based financing to providers. Institutional clarity strengthens investor confidence. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources owns the Policy, while the Enugu State Electrification Agency implements it. The Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission provides a transparent licensing framework, sets engineering codes, and establishes a consistent, sustainable tariff methodology. Gender and social inclusion are duly mainstreamed, and the Policy will be reviewed every five years, giving investors a predictable framework for long-term participation in Enugu's electricity market. Note that the OGE targets and the detailed Strategy and Plan are still to be published.