A Roadmap for Energy Access in Displacement Settings: Nigeria

A Roadmap for Energy Access in Displacement Settings: Nigeria

Access to reliable and affordable energy remains a major challenge for displaced and host communities across Nigeria. Most households receive less than six hours of electricity per day, with many relying on battery-powered torches for lighting. The 2024 flooding in Maiduguri worsened these conditions, damaging infrastructure, raising prices, and increasing safety risks in poorly lit areas. Expanding access to the national grid, supporting affordable off-grid lighting, and investing in technician training and local distribution networks could help communities recover and build greater energy resilience.

Cooking practices in displacement settings also highlight deep inequalities. The majority of households depend on firewood and charcoal, which have become scarce and costly, placing additional strain on women and girls who are primarily responsible for fuel collection. Promoting fuel-efficient and clean cookstoves through subsidies, awareness campaigns, and local retail networks can reduce fuel use, improve health, and protect the environment. Strengthening government policies and financing mechanisms will be essential to make clean cooking a realistic and sustainable option for all.

Energy also underpins livelihoods, essential services, and humanitarian operations. Businesses often depend on expensive diesel generators, while schools and health centres struggle with unreliable power. Expanding solar solutions, microfinance opportunities, and public–private partnerships could enable enterprises to thrive and ensure vital community services are powered sustainably. The READS Nigeria Report presents a roadmap for achieving this transition, highlighting practical, locally driven pathways to expand clean energy access for households, institutions, and humanitarian actors.