Connecting the Dots with Emeka Okpukpara

It’s a national consensus that Nigeria needs reliable power, and for many people, distributed renewable energy feels like the obvious answer.Solar mini-grids, hybrid systems, rooftop solar. The technology is there and the need is huge.So why does financing still feel like the hardest part?In this episode, Dr. Segun Solomon Adaju breaks down what really makes a renewable energy project bankable.It’s not just about solar panels or good intentions, It’s about trust, customer payment patterns, regulation that gives investors’ confidence, and business models that actually survive in the real world.This is a conversation about the money behind the mission, and why solving energy access means solving finance first.

The Kaduna Footprint.Customers in Nigeria's power sector don't trust the bills, utilities don't trust collections, and the grid isn't reliable.Engr. Umar stirs the Kaduna DisCo in the middle of this storm and he breaks down how it all works in this episode.From turning around Kano DisCo to betting on battery and solar systems to rethinking how utilities engage with customers.This is the business of power...without trust.🎙️A Nextier ProductionBuilding the society we want to live in.

Nigeria’s electricity market is full of contradictions.A system designed for cost-reflective tariffs is operating in a reality where that’s politically difficult. Utilities are expected to deliver while struggling to stay financially viable. Customers have lost trust and are finding ways around the grid.In this episode, Dr. Yusuf Ali (Vice Chairman, NERC) walks us through what it means to regulate inside that tension.From market design to political economy, from tariffs to decentralisation, this is a candid look at the forces shaping the future of electricity in Nigeria.

March may be winding down… but we’re still celebrating women building the future.In this episode, Omosede Imohe shares her journey from global finance into Nigeria’s power sector, where she’s helping rethink how electricity is delivered.Through interconnected mini-grids and hybrid systems, her work challenges a long-standing assumption: that the grid and distributed energy must compete.What if they don’t?What if the future is both working together?

There are Nigerian communities where people have never had electricity. Ever. No lights after sunset, no refrigerators, kids studying under kerosene lamps, businesses that close when the sun goes down. Engr. Abba Aliyu, MD/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), runs the institution trying to reach them. We discuss what people get wrong about delivering power through government, how REA is shifting from just providing light to enabling economic development (because electricity alone doesn't pay bills), the coordination challenge of working across ministries and states that don't always communicate, what's being tested to reach the communities everyone else has given up on, and what success looks like in 2030, not in reports, but in whether a rural kid can finally study after dark.

Africa is using less than 1% of its wind energy potential. Not because the wind isn’t there, but because the system isn’t ready.In this episode of Connecting the Dots, Wangari Muchiri of the Global Wind Energy Council explains why wind energy has remained Africa’s quiet renewable, even as solar takes centre stage.We talk about stalled projects, policy bottlenecks, investor hesitation, and what recent shifts in countries like South Africa could mean for the rest of the continent. We also ask a bigger question: can wind and solar work together to solve Africa’s reliability problem?🎧 Now streaming.A Nextier Capital production.

Nigeria calls gas its "transition fuel"—Africa's largest reserves, a declared "Decade of Gas," promises of industrial growth and reliable power. Yet gas flaring continues, power plants lack supply, and industries run on diesel. Adaora Ugwu, Head of Investment Management at the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) at the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has worked inside Nigeria's energy governance long enough to understand why. We discuss the governance gaps preventing policy from becoming infrastructure, the financing reforms needed to unlock investment, how subsidies and legacy pricing shape today's market, and the uncomfortable question: Is gas a bridge to cleaner energy or a trap? This is about why Nigeria's gas promise keeps stalling.

Most countries don't fail because they lack resources or ideas, but because they adopt development models designed for somewhere else. Barr. Olajumoke has worked across Europe and Africa in legal chambers, boardrooms, and state-owned enterprises. She believes electricity isn't just a sector, but a signal of state capability and a platform for development. In this episode, Emeka Okpukpara discusses why African countries continue to adopt templates that don't fit their realities, what factors make state-owned enterprises succeed or fail beyond political cycles, and why Africa needs to shift from consuming development solutions to creating exportable ones.

The power business in Nigeria has a scapegoat who get the blame for everything—the Distribution companies (DisCo's).Transcorp took over the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) in 2023 following a debt default and a threat of TCN disconnection. Engr. Chijioke Okwuokenye was handed the reins to fix the business, restore trust, and prepare for a deregulated market as the MD/CEO.But transformation is a complex task with multiple aspects. We had Engr. Chijioke in the studio to discuss how you fix revenue without alienating customers, which infrastructure investments actually improve reliability, how workforce restructuring affects service delivery, and how AEDC is positioning itself as Nigeria's electricity market decentralises under the 2023 Electricity Act. This is the business of power distribution in Nigeria (without trust).

Erabor Okogun, Director and Head of Energy Infrastructure, Africa Deals Advisory at KPMG, has spent two decades structuring renewable projects and navigating Nigeria's regulatory maze. We discuss why solar IPPs struggle to move from paper to power, what's actually working in mini-grids, how hybrid solutions can stabilise the system, what makes renewable projects bankable in Nigeria, and the policy shifts that could unlock scale. This is the renewable energy conversation Nigeria needs.

Africa's mobile revolution is powered by diesel, which is expensive, unreliable, and limits rural expansion. Lande Abudu, GSMA's Senior Energy Specialist for Sub-Saharan Africa, explains how solar towers, hybrid systems, and smarter financing can cut costs and expand connectivity. We discuss the regulatory alignment needed between telecoms and energy, and how clean power for mobile networks unlocks education, commerce, and digital inclusion. From blackouts to broadband, this is what it takes to power Africa's digital economy.

Suleiman Babamanu, Nigeria Program Director at the Rocky Mountain Institute and former lead of Solar Power Naija, has spent over a decade within Nigeria's clean energy transition. In this conversation, he breaks down why legacy approaches keep failing and outlines a technology-enabled, customer-centric alternative: smart metering and data transparency, distributed renewables as an alternative to diesel and grid instability, policy and financing reforms to unlock capital, and building the institutions for long-term transition. This isn't just policy talk, Suleiman has written the frameworks and built the projects.

In this episode of Connecting the Dots, we dive into Nigeria’s electrification challenges in real time, what progress has been made, what bottlenecks persist, and what practical solutions are emerging to scale access. Anita Otubu unpacks how results-based financing is changing the economics of mini-grids and solar deployment, and why de-risking investment remains essential for private sector participation.

In this episode of Connecting the Dots, we sit down with David Arinze renewable energy expert, UNDP Advisor, Yale FDCE Scholar, and Lead of the Renewable Energy Thematic Working Group to unpack the dynamics of international funding in Nigeria’s off-grid market, the risks of dependency, and what it will take to transition from donor-driven growth to a sustainable, locally anchored clean energy future.

In this episode, we’re joined by Ije Ikoku Okeke, Managing Director for Catalytic Climate Capital at Rocky Mountain Institute. With deep experience across finance, power distribution, and investment advisory, Ije explains how money, policy, and partnerships intersect. We explore how to move beyond pilots, design financing that works for Africa, and ensure that the transition isn’t just green, but also inclusive and equitable.

Global efforts to increase renewable energy capacity by 2030 and phase out fossil fuels have created an urgency to rethink energy transition investment frameworks through a systemic lens.In this episode of Connecting the Dots, Dr. Jason J, Director of MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative, joins us to discuss:How systemic investing can accelerate Africa’s just energy transitionInsights from En-ROADS and C-ROADS climate models for informed decision-makingStrategies to scale renewables and address infrastructure challenges in Africa

Africa’s pursuit of universal energy access has birthed several electrification initiatives. In Nigeria, one of the most impactful has been the Nigeria Electrification Programme (NEP), a nationally led effort that has expanded off-grid access to millions and laid the groundwork for scalable, inclusive energy solutions. Now, building on NEP’s success, the continent is turning to even more ambitious targets through Mission 300.On this episode of Connecting the Dots, Mr Olufemi Akinyelure, Head of the Nigeria Electrification Program, shares lessons from the program and plans to scale rural electrification in alignment with the continent’s Mission 300 plans.

This episode of Connecting the Dots spotlights a practical solution to one of Nigeria’s most persistent challenges: electricity access in underserved communities.Our guest, Emmanuel Terwase, isn’t just raising awareness, he’s driving change. As the founder of Boost Power, a clean energy start-up, he’s using solar microgrids to power rural markets, reduce operating costs, and enable small businesses thrive.In this conversation, Emmanuel shares the story behind Boost Power and highlights the critical role platforms like the Africa Energy Forum (AEF) play in accelerating partnerships and scaling impact across the continent.

Connecting the Dots is renewed for a fourth season!This season kicks-off with a spotlight on the African Energy Forum (AEF).Hosted by EnergyNet, the African Energy Forum (AEF) has built a reputation as a catalytic forum that initiates, mobilises, and encourages meaningful business partnerships and collaborations. It has birthed some of the impactful projects we see in Africa today. Despite these remarkable achievements, the quest for sustainable energy access and development remains ongoing.As we approach the 27th edition of the AEF, themed "Africa United", we recognise the urgent need for strategic collaborations to address Africa's persistent energy challenges. In this episode, we are joined by Simon Gosling, Managing Director, EnergyNet & Founder, and Youth Energy Summit (YES!). He joins us to discuss key developments influencing Africa's energy market, expectations for AEF 2025, and the fundamental role of youth engagement in shaping the future.

On this episode of ‘WATTS with the Grid? we hear from women in the private sector who have invested or attempted to invest in the global energy space. They address the sector’s opportunities and challenges through an investor lens and also explore Nigeria's current Power sector landscape from that perspective.Join Catherine Ashenuga-Farrer (CEO Trennco Towers), Ugwem Eneyo (Ceo & Founder of Shyft Power Solutions), Hassana Aliyu (VP Konnexa, Energy Company of the Future) and our host Dr. Stella Odiase on this episode of 'WATTs with the Grid'? This podcast is brought to you by the Women on the Grid Hub and produced by Nextier. It is an initiative of the Women on the Grid Hub, supported by the UKNIAF programme, delivered by Tetra Tech, and funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO)

On this episode of WATTS with the Grid, we are joined by Dolapo Kukoyi (Managing Partner, Detail Solicitors) and Habiba Ali (Managing Director/CEO, Sosai Renewable Energies Company). Fresh from COP 29 in Azerbaijan, they share their perspectives on key discussions that featured at the event, such as climate finance, energy access, and the importance of positioning Nigeria to leverage global opportunities.This podcast is brought to you by the Women on the Grid Hub and produced by Nextier. It is a Women on the Grid Hub initiative supported by the UKNIAF programme, delivered by Tetra Tech, and funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO).

In this special episode, we feature a group of young women in the Power sector. Join Chartered Accountant and Portfolio Manager at UKNIAF Adeola Adebisi; Electrical Engineer and Project Manager at UKNIAF Aisha Mala Sheriff; Energy Policy Research Analyst at Nextier, Doose Iortyom as they reflect on their experiences. They share their insights on critical issues shaping the sector, including valuable advice they would offer to their younger selves.This podcast is brought to you by the Women on the Grid Hub and produced by Nextier. It is an initiative of the Women on the Grid Hub, supported by the UKNIAF programme, delivered by Tetra Tech, and funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO).

In this episode of WATTS with the Grid, Female executives in Nigeria's Power sector examine the country's Electricity Act 2023 and its implications for the distribution subsector. With the repeal of the 2005 reform act, the new legislation grants states, private investors, and individuals the power to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity. This conversation explores what this means for the 11 distribution companies (DisCos) currently serving Nigeria's 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.Join Rahila Thomas (Country Director, Energy Market and Rates Consultants Limited), Olajumoke Delano (Energy Sector Executive and Multi-Jurisdictional Lawyer), and our host Stella Odiase as they discuss the potential impact on energy access and how this shift could reshape Nigeria's Energy Scene.This podcast series is brought to you by the Women on the Grid Hub and produced by The Nextier. WATTS 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗱’? Is a Women on the Grid Hub initiative, supported through the UKNIAF programme, delivered by Tetra Tech, and funded by FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office).

This episode discusses how Nigeria can bridge the climate finance gap to meet its ambitious targets. Our guests, Chintal Barot (Founder, Co-Sustain Consulting) and Titilayo Oshodi (Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy to the Governor of Lagos State), share insights on accessing funding, the role of gender in climate finance and why the economic argument is crucial for driving climate action.Some states are already making big moves with climate-smart projects, and we explore how they’re pushing for greener infrastructure, smart finance, and lasting change.This podcast series is brought to you by the Women on the Grid Hub and produced by The Nextier. WATTS 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗱? Is a Women on the Grid Hub initiative, supported through the UKNIAF programme, delivered by Tetra Tech, and funded by FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office).

WATTS with the Grid? Is back with an informative episode on Climate and Infrastructure Finance: The What, Whys and Hows.Despite Nigeria investing an estimated USD 1.9 billion annually in climate-related activities, this is just 11% of the USD 17.7 billion needed to meet its emissions reduction goals by 2030. In this episode, we ask the critical questions: What’s driving these disparities? How can they be addressed? And what are the emerging opportunities, especially in light of the new Electricity Act 2023, which opens doors for renewable energy development across all 36 states?This podcast series is brought to you by the Women on the Grid Hub, produced by The Nextier. 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗱? Is an initiative of the Women on the Grid Hub, supported through the UKNIAF programme, delivered by Tetra Tech, and funded by FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office).

The global shift to green economies is creating a huge demand for minerals like lithium, copper, cobalt, and manganese. These minerals are essential for batteries, solar panels, and other green tech that underpin the transition from fossil fuels to renewables. However, poorly executed mining projects in fragile regions can exacerbate conflicts, risking the transition’s success at the expense of increased suffering and strife.  As such, it is crucial to examine the broader implications of the green transition for local communities and critically assess if the sacrifices demanded are ethically acceptable at regional and global levels.This episode features Jabri Ibrahim, Africa Special Programmes Lead, UN, High-Level Climate Champions. He joins us to discuss responsible mining, energy transition and everything in between.

This week, the Connecting the Dots Podcast features Olamide Niyi-Afuye, CEO of the Africa Mini-Grid Developers Association (AMDA). He joins us to discuss Financing Options for Mini-Grid Development in Africa. Sustainable mini-grids have emerged as a practical solution to the electrification challenge. However, financing mini-grids in developing countries is challenging.This conversation provides guidelines and essential recommendations for securing financing mechanisms for mini-grid developments in Africa.

WATTS with the Grid? returns with its second episode!This week, women working in the on-grid sector share insights on 'Gas as a Transition Fuel: Rhetoric versus Reality'. While electricity in Nigeria is generated through thermal and hydropower sources, Nigeria's electricity primarily comes from fossil fuels, notably gas, at 86%. This conversation discusses the country's ambitious plans to increase international exports/domestic consumption while aiming to attain emissions and sustainable development goals.This podcast series is brought to you by the Women on the Grid Hub, produced by The Nextier. This series is also supported by the UKNIAF programme, delivered by Tetra Tech, and funded by FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office).

Connecting the Dots is pleased to announce a special episode featuring the debut of “Watts with the Grid?” A conversation WITH Women in the Power Sector. This series gives policymakers, managers, and decision-makers in the Nigerian energy space who are women a chance to discuss issues pertinent to transforming the Nigerian energy sector. This podcast series is an initiative of the Women on the Grid Hub, supported through the UKNIAF programme, delivered by Tetra Tech and funded by FCDO.In this episode, women working in the on-grid sector share their perspectives on the ongoing national discourse surrounding tariff increases. Has the implementation of Service-Based Tariffs (SBT) truly enhanced customer service for electric power distribution companies (DisCos)? Has it led to higher collections and market remittance revenues without a corresponding tariff hike as initially intended? Is it premature to draw conclusions, and if so, when can we expect clarity? Moreover, what implications does the price of electricity hold for national commitments toward a low-carbon transition? Tune in to Join the conversation and gain valuable insights into these pressing issues.

The global shift towards clean energy sources and growing concerns about the capacity and resilience of energy grids have heightened the interest in energy storage solutions. These technologies are pivotal in bridging the gap between intermittent renewable energy generation and consistent power supply.This episode features Julia Souder, Chief Executive Officer of Long Duration Energy Storage Council. She joins us to discuss emerging technologies in energy storage and how these technologies promote energy reliability and increase the efficiency of grids worldwide. The conversation also suggests policy recommendations for the Nigerian market.

Nigeria’s energy transition and the escalating transportation costs prompt a growing interest in using compressed Natural Gas for alternative fueling. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inaugurated the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGi) in August 2023 in response to these challenges. This initiative holds a visionary outlook, seeking to harness Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources.In this episode, our guest is Michael Oluwagbemi, program manager/chief executive officer of the Presidential CNG Initiative. He joins the podcast to discuss the progress in adopting CNG as an alternative fuel and Nigeria’s preparedness for this transformative shift.

The Connecting the Dots Podcast Series is back! For the first episode of the year, our guest is Mr. Sadiq Wanka. He is the Special Adviser to the President of Nigeria on Power Infrastructure. This discussion will explore key sector events from the year 2023, and how these events are shaping Nigeria’s energy sector. Setting the pace for the new year, it is imperative to reflect on 2023, identify gaps, propose directives, and strategize for a successful 2024.

On the 9th of June, 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu enacted the Electricity Act 2023 (EA). It is anticipated that the Act will remedy the challenges that derail the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). In this episode, we shed light on the EA provisions, opportunities, challenges and the Act’s potential to shape the future of state electricity markets positively. Discussing this with us is Eyo Ekpo, CEO of Excredite Consulting.

In August 2022, Nigeria launched its Energy Transition Plan (ETP) to address energy poverty and climate change, aiming for SDG7 by 2030 and net zero by 2060. While challenges are on the horizon, spotlighting the opportunities in Nigeria’s ETP can foster support and catalyze this transition. In this episode, we are joined by Lolade Abiola, Programme Manager of the Energy Transition Office, to discuss the benefits of implementing the ETP and how we can collectively materialize its objectives.

This week, we have Olu Aruike, Country Director for Husk Power Systems in Nigeria, as our guest. Husk Power Systems achieved a historic milestone in January 2023 by becoming Africa’s first profitable mini-grid company, with Nigeria at the forefront. In this episode, Olu discusses this remarkable achievement and how Husk actively contributes to Nigeria’s energy transition. This conversation also burrows into how mini-grids can be leveraged to catalyze economic productivity in Nigeria.

In this episode of Connecting the Dots, our guest is Dr. Damola Omole, Director of Utility Innovation, GEAPP. He joins Emeka Okpupara to discuss grid decentralization as a pathway to unlock renewable energy potential in Nigeria. This episode explains how a decentralized grid can promote efficiency in the Nigerian power sector and how this approach can pave the way to explore alternative energy sources.This conversation also highlights how GEAPP uses battery technology to address the power supply challenges across Africa and Nigeria.

This week, the Connecting the Dots podcast features Wangari Muchiri, Director of Africa WindPower, Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC). She joins Emeka Okpukpara to discuss how Wind Energy can be harnessed for sustainable energy growth in Africa. This conversation unravels the possibilities wind energy holds for Africa and how its adoption can address energy deficits, propelling sustainable energy growth in Nigeria and the continent.

This episode of Connecting the Dots features Abba Aliyu, Head Project Management Unit (Nigeria Electrification Project) REA. He joins us to share insights on the positive outcomes and challenges from various projects implemented under the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP).This conversation also delves into real-life accounts of communities and institutions that have experienced transformative changes and improvements through NEP initiatives. Ultimately, this episode reflects on the success and potential of the NEP in shaping Nigeria’s energy and economic landscape.

On this episode of Connecting the Dots, our guest is Olajumoke Delano, Head of Regulatory and Government Regulations, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company. She joins us to discuss and enlighten us on the Impact bilateral contracts will have on underserved customers. This episode provides insight into what provisions should be in place for lower band-level customers to promote energy access and realize goal 2030.

In this week’s episode, our guest is Mr Patrick Tonui, Head of Policy and Regional Strategy GOGLA. He joins us to discuss Off-Grid Solar Solutions, and how these solutions can be leveraged, made affordable and accessible to all. He also highlights GOGLA’s work in accelerating the adoption of Solar solutions and closing the energy gaps that persist in Africa.

In this episode of Connecting the Dots, our guest is Dr Sam Amadi, Associate Professor and Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought. He joins us to discuss the intersection between Energy and politics. He also highlights the influence of lobbying on policy and regulation and how lobbying can be fair, transparent and focused on the sector’s best interests and the nation’s common good.

On this episode of Connecting the Dots, our guest is Tengi George Ikoli, Senior Officer, at Natural Resource Governance Institute. She joins us to discuss and share her perspective on the Energy Transition Plan. This episode dissects the laid-out frameworks, strategies, and innovations to support and drive the success of this plan.

For the first episode of the Connecting the Dots podcast series, our guest is Chibueze Ekeh, Chief Executive Officer of Ceesolar Energy Limited. He joins Emeka Okpukpara, Partner, Nextier Power, to discuss how scaling up solar in Nigeria can promote energy access and boost economic growth.

The growing urbanization in the country requires distribution companies (DisCos) to improve power supply to be able to service end-user customers.This episode of the Nextier Power Podcast features Abigail Botsha, the Head of Marketing and Business Development at GVE Projects Limited. Ms. Botsha joins us to explore some of the prospects for sub-franchising in the DisCos.

This episode of the Power Podcast series features Ruchi Soni, Programme Manager (Result-Based Financing), and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL).Ruchi joins us to discuss the recently launched Universal Energy Facility (UEF) programme in Nigeria and its Stand-Alone S0lar for Productive Use (SSPU) component. She highlights the project’s objectives of electrifying and decarbonising small and medium enterprises (SMEs)in the country.

On this episode of the Power Podcast series, our guest is Oluwatomi Elizabeth Omogbai, Carbon Sourcing Coordinator (Africa), ALLCOT Trading.Ms Omogbai joins us to discuss the concept of carbon trading and its contributions to the global energy transition, highlighting ways Nigeria’s carbon trading marketplace can be improved.

On this episode of the power podcast series, our guest is Engr. Stephen Olumuyiwa, Transmissions Advisor, Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).Engr. Stephen joins us to explore some challenges impeding electricity supply and the effects of disaggregating the national grid on the Nigerian electricity market.

On this episode on powering Africa, my guest is Ndiarka Mbodji, Founder and CEO of Kowry Energy. Ndiarka joins me to discuss the importance of energy access in developing African economies. She also gives insight on ways the continent can be resilient against future global disruptions.

This episode of the Power Podcast series features Ifeyinwa Emelife, the Chief Partnership Officer for the African Development Bank, Abidjan. She joins us to discuss the importance of finance in developing clean energy projects for Africa’s energy transition.