The recognition is contained in the World Social Report 2026, published by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. The report highlights Nigeria’s Electrification Project as a model for improving access to affordable energy among populations with limited electricity supply.

According to figures from the World Bank cited in connection with the programme, the Nigeria Electrification Project supported the establishment of 125 mini-grids and the sale of more than one million solar home systems. These interventions helped provide electricity access to more than five million Nigerians and supported the creation of over 5,000 green jobs.

The programme relied on private-sector participation alongside financial support designed to make off-grid electricity projects viable in communities that are often difficult or expensive to connect to the national grid.

Mini-grids can supply electricity to multiple homes and businesses within a community, while solar home systems provide power directly to individual households. Both approaches can help rural residents access electricity for lighting, small businesses, healthcare, and other essential services.


The report also points to the potential of combining renewable energy with agriculture. Nigeria and Ghana are identified as countries exploring the integration of solar panels with agricultural land, an approach commonly known as agrivoltaics.

Under this model, solar panels generate electricity while agricultural activities continue on the same land. Depending on the design and local conditions, the approach could help farmers diversify their income, improve access to power for irrigation and other farm operations, and make more efficient use of land.

The UN’s assessment further examines how countries perform in economic transformation and social inclusion. Nigeria recorded a transformation score of 44.30 and an inclusiveness score of 56.36, producing a combined index score of 100.67, according to the figures cited in the report.


The comparative assessment covers 168 countries and examines development trends across economic, digital, energy and social dimensions over the 2000–2024 period.

The report underscores that economic growth and technological advancement do not automatically translate into better living conditions for everyone. Governments must also ensure that the benefits of development reach low-income households and other underserved groups.

For Nigeria, the recognition highlights the potential of decentralised renewable energy to improve electricity access and support employment. However, significant gaps remain, and sustaining progress will require continued investment, effective implementation and measures to ensure that electricity remains affordable for the communities that need it most.


Reporting by TalkNaija Media