Proposal for the Development of the Nigeria Rural Energy Access Database (N-READ)

The Nigeria Rural Energy Access Database (N-READ) is proposed as an integrated data governance initiative to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for evidence-based energy planning and monitoring. Despite multiple agencies collecting energy-related information, datasets remain fragmented, inconsistent, and often inaccessible for coordinated analysis. N-READ seeks to unify geospatial, demographic, and energy-infrastructure data into a centralized system that enables real-time insights on rural electrification, energy consumption, and renewable-energy deployment. The project adopts a participatory and phased methodology involving the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and key partners such as REA, NERC, GRID3, and NASRDA. Using open-source technologies including PostgreSQL, QGIS, and GeoServer, NREAD will provide a cost-effective, scalable, and interoperable platform that aligns with Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP) and the Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). Through standardized data collection, metadata management, and quality-assurance protocols, the database will enhance transparency, foster institutional collaboration, and reduce duplication of efforts. Ultimately, N-READ will serve as a reliable foundation for policy formulation, investment prioritization, and progress reporting toward universal energy access, positioning Nigeria as a leader in open and sustainable energy data governance in Africa.