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…As national grid collapses
From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
In a major step toward a clean energy future, the Federal Government has signed a $500 million comprehensive country partnership framework (CPF) with the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
The agreement was formalised yesterday by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and ISA Director General, Mr. Ashish Khanna at the ISA’s Seventh Regional Committee Meeting for Africa hosted in Accra, Ghana.
This comes as parts of Nigeria were thrown into darkness on Wednesday following yet another collapse of the national electricity grid, disrupting power supply across several states.
The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) confirmed the incident in a public notice posted on its official X handle, stating that the collapse occurred at 11:23 a.m.
“Please be informed that the power outage currently being experienced is due to a loss of supply from the national grid at 11:23 am today, affecting electricity supply across our franchise areas,” the company announced.
While apologising to its customers, AEDC gave assurances that efforts were underway to restore normal supply. “Rest assured, we are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure power is restored once the grid is stabilised,” the notice added.
The latest collapse adds to the recurring disruptions that have plagued Nigeria’s power sector, leaving millions of households and businesses without electricity and raising fresh concerns over grid reliability.
The power signing agreement brought together African governments, development partners, and financial institutions to chart a common pathway for expanding solar energy adoption across the continent.
The partnership establishes a robust three-year action plan to accelerate Nigeria’s solar energy adoption, focusing on key areas like advocacy, capacity building, and programmatic support.
Other key initiatives include scaling up solar applications in agriculture, promoting rooftop solar installations, deploying mini-grids, and establishing a Solar Technology and Application Resource (STAR) Centre.
“A cornerstone of the framework is the creation of a $500 million Nigeria Fund, designed to catalyse investment in distributed renewable energy projects and backed by enhanced regulatory support from the Ministry of Power.
“This partnership is about more than light; it’s about powering development.
“Decentralised renewable energy solutions are not merely about providing light to households; they are about unlocking development, powering schools and clinics; energising small and medium enterprises, supporting agricultural processing, driving e-mobility, and opening opportunities for digital inclusion in rural communities.
Every mini-grid and solar system deployed means a child can study, a clinic can function, an entrepreneur can thrive, and a farmer can irrigate his fields. This is the transformational promise of renewable energy for Africa” the statement, noted.the statement, noted.
The signing, which also saw Ghana and The Gambia enter similar agreements, signals a powerful wave of regional co-operation. By placing solar energy at the heart of its national strategy, Nigeria is decisively advancing toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient economy.
