REA to push solar mini-grids at 2026 decarbonisation summit  

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) would be part of the stakeholders leading conversations on Nigeria’s renewable energy strategy at the 2026 Oriental News National Conference.

The conference, themed ‘Carbon Capture: Accelerating Decarbonisation Initiatives in Nigeria’s Extractive Industry Through Broad Regulatory Reforms,’ will bring together top energy companies and experts, as well as key government agencies, to exchange innovative ideas on how to reduce carbon emissions in the energy sector and engage in knowledge sharing along individual industry perspectives.

Abba Abubakar Aliyu, managing director of REA, would be engaging with stakeholders, including energy experts, industry leaders and financial institutions, on the agency’s efforts to minimise carbon emissions through expanded renewable energy development.

“REA is rapidly deploying community-based solar mini-grids to bypass fragile national transmission lines and directly empower rural businesses and healthcare centres, and this would be the focus of Aliyu’s key presentations at the conference,” a statement read.

The conference would bring together operators in the oil and gas industry to exchange ideas and decarbonisation solutions aligned with operational needs.

It will focus on the industry challenges of harmonising environmental commitments with business performance.

One of the key highlights of the summit is the presentation of case studies from major industry players who have either achieved significant progress in their decarbonisation goals or are well on the path to success.

The topic seeks to interrogate regulatory frameworks, decarbonisation pathways initiated by operators, and financing gaps that have led to slow progress towards meeting the country’s zero emissions targets.

The conference aims to foster dialogue on energy transition, with the opening ceremony to be hosted with key presentations by the guest speaker and keynote speaker who will address the theme of the conference.

There will be panel discussions by stakeholders from different sectors. This aspect of the discussion will include thematic dialogues, policy exchanges, and joint segments, potentially incorporating hybrid or digital elements for broader access and sustainability.

Nigeria drives its renewable energy transition through the Energy Transition Plan (ETP), which aims for net-zero emissions by 2060.

The country prioritises decentralised solar power, green manufacturing, and massive multilateral investments to combat grid fragility and end its heavy reliance on petrol and diesel generators.

Launched to achieve net-zero, the ETP leverages a $410 billion investment strategy focused on expanding grid capacity, promoting clean cooking, and modernising the power sector.

The conference is scheduled to be held on July 23, 2026, at Radisson Blu, Ikeja, Lagos.

Now in its 5th year, the 2026 conference is seeking to promote environmental sustainability by addressing actions and challenges facing operators in the extractive industry, particularly in the country’s oil and gas, petrochemicals and manufacturing sectors.