Data-Driven Electrification Planning in Nigeria: Identifying High-Priority Regions Using Energy Access Explorer

Executive Summary Nigeria faces persistent and widespread energy access challenges, with over 85 million citizens, approximately 43% of the population, lacking access to electricity. This energy poverty is particularly severe in rural and northern regions, where grid infrastructure is sparse and unreliable. To address this, the study uses the Energy Access Explorer (EAE), an open-source geospatial platform developed by the World Resources Institute, which integrates and visualizes multiple spatial datasets, including population density, nighttime light intensity, renewable energy potential (solar irradiance, wind speed, biomass availability), and socio-economic indicators like wealth distribution and access to social services. Using this data-driven approach, the model identifies areas with the greatest need and potential for energy intervention and guides the selection of electrification strategies tailored to local conditions: grid extension for dense and grid-adjacent settlements, solar off-grids for medium-density rural communities, and standalone solar home systems for remote, low-density areas. This geospatially informed methodology enables policymakers and planners to prioritize investments, enhance cost-effectiveness, and accelerate progress toward universal electricity access in Nigeria.