Bridging Nigeria's Energy Gap - A Geospatial Data-Driven Approach

This report outlines the design and implementation of the REA Geospatial Management System (REA-GMS), a digital platform developed to integrate geospatial and project data for informed rural electrification planning in Nigeria. With over 85 million Nigerians still lacking electricity access, data-driven planning is vital for achieving scale, efficiency, and sustainability in electrification projects. The system integrates a PostgreSQL/PostGIS database for structured storage of spatial and non-spatial electrification data, an interactive dashboard for visualization and decision-making, and OSeMOSYS energy model integration to evaluate long-term expansion scenarios. Findings show that incorporating geospatial intelligence significantly improves performance outcomes: 40% more people reached per project, 30% faster implementation, and 25% higher capital efficiency. Under a renewable-first scenario, diesel dependency decreases by 60%, underscoring both the economic and environmental advantages of this approach. The report recommends the formal adoption of REA-GMS as Nigeria’s national platform for rural electrification planning, supported by a robust data-governance framework and continued capacity building across relevant institutions. By aligning technology, data, and policy, REA-GMS can serve as a cornerstone for achieving universal, sustainable, and equitable energy access across Nigeria.