NERC approves 194 electricity licences in 2025, mini‑grid permits jump 15.5%
NERC’s 2025 Annual Report shows the regulator issued 194 licences, permits and certifications across Nigeria’s electricity market in 2025, a 15.5% rise from 168 approvals in 2024. The bulk came from mini-grid permits (64), Meter Service Providers (43), Meter Asset Providers (30) and captive power projects (31). Additional approvals covered seven electricity distribution network licences, six off-grid generation licences, five embedded generation licences, six trading licences and two on-grid generation licences.
The increase reflects stronger activity in decentralised and metering segments, with mini-grids, captive power and metering-related permits making up 168 of the 194 total. Compared to 2024, mini-grid permits more than doubled (from 27), while MAP and MSP approvals remained high. The report notes related policy moves: the Mini-Grid Regulations 2026 aimed at widening access, REA’s deployment of over 200 mini-grids in underserved areas, and the Federal Government’s N3.3 trillion plan to clear power sector debts. It also notes that FG will spend N100 billion in 2026 on hybrid mini-grids for government agencies, REA’s approved renewable asset management company, a $5.65 million AfDB grant for P-REC mini‑grid projects in 14 African countries, and a Nigeria‑UN target of a $500 million fund for local renewable developers.
For consumers and entrepreneurs, the growth in mini‑grids and metering signals expanding off‑grid opportunities and clearer rules for self‑generation. Will you explore investing in a mini‑grid or metering service for your home or business, or consider how these regulatory shifts might affect your electricity costs and reliability?