Rural Electrification and Gender Inclusion in Nigeria’s Energy Transition

Introduction Access to modern energy remains a major barrier to social and economic development in Nigeria’s rural communities. While electrification programs have expanded significantly through off-grid solar and mini-grid projects, gender disparities persist. Women and girls are disproportionately affected by energy poverty, facing limited opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, and community leadership. This article explores how Nigeria’s rural electrification efforts can become more inclusive by integrating gender perspectives into planning, implementation, and policy design. 1. The Gender–Energy Nexus in Rural Nigeria Women in rural Nigeria are often primary energy users in households and small businesses — responsible for cooking, lighting, and food processing. Yet, they are rarely involved in energy decision-making or represented in technical and managerial roles. Access to reliable electricity can transform women’s livelihoods — enabling income-generating activities such as tailoring, agro-processing, ICT services, and retail. Gender inclusion is, therefore, not only a social imperative but also an economic strategy for expanding energy access. 2. Rural Electrification Progress and Gaps The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) of Nigeria has made significant strides through programs such as the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) and Solar Power Naija. These initiatives have connected schools, health centers, and households using solar hybrid mini-grids and standalone systems. However, a gender gap persists: Only a small proportion of project beneficiaries are women-led businesses. Limited financing options hinder women’s ability to own energy enterprises or access productive-use appliances. Cultural and educational barriers limit women’s participation in energy jobs and training programs. 3. Gender Mainstreaming in Policy and Practice Gender mainstreaming requires that all stages of energy project planning — from design to implementation — consider women’s needs and participation. The REA’s Gender Mainstreaming Framework, developed with development partners, is an encouraging step. It outlines key measures: Involving women in community consultations and energy cooperatives. Setting participation quotas for women-owned energy enterprises. Providing targeted training and mentorship in technical and business skills. International organizations, including UNDP and Power Africa, have supported similar programs to ensure women benefit equally from electrification projects. 4. Empowering Women in the Renewable Energy Workforce The renewable energy sector presents opportunities for women as technicians, entrepreneurs, and leaders. Training programs like the Women in Energy Development Initiative and Solar Sister Nigeria have demonstrated that with proper support, women can excel in technical roles traditionally dominated by men. Expanding such initiatives across all six geopolitical zones can help close the gender gap and strengthen local ownership of renewable energy systems. 5. Financing Inclusion and Productive Use Access to credit remains one of the biggest barriers for women’s participation. Financial institutions can partner with clean energy developers to provide gender-responsive credit schemes for women-led businesses. At the same time, bundling solar solutions with productive-use appliances (such as grinders, dryers, and freezers) creates livelihood opportunities that increase both energy demand and household income. Conclusion Gender inclusion in rural electrification is not an optional add-on — it is central to achieving equitable energy access and sustainable development. Nigeria’s transition to clean energy will accelerate when women are recognized not only as beneficiaries but as active agents shaping the sector’s future.