The transition to renewable energy is driven not only by technology and policy, but also by the stories that help people understand why it matters.

Recognising the important role of the media in shaping public conversations, Solar Power Nigeria, in partnership with the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) and the Secure Energy Project, launched the Solar Power Nigeria Media Story Grant to strengthen reporting on renewable energy across Nigeria. The initiative supported journalists from 16 media organisations to produce in-depth stories that explore the realities, opportunities, and challenges of Nigeria’s clean energy transition.

The result was a diverse collection of reports that moved beyond headlines to document how solar energy is changing lives in communities, supporting small businesses, expanding energy access, and contributing to conversations around sustainable development.

From special reports on off grid communities in Karamajiji, where solar power is helping businesses stay open and creating new opportunities for residents, to stories highlighting how entrepreneurs are reducing operating costs through renewable energy, the grant enabled journalists to tell stories rooted in lived experiences.

Other reports explored Nigeria’s growing solar market, the need for local manufacturing of solar technologies, renewable energy solutions for underserved communities, and the increasing role of solar power in helping households and businesses navigate rising energy costs.

All together, the stories demonstrate the value of solutions journalism in advancing conversations around renewable energy. By amplifying voices from communities and documenting practical examples of solar adoption, the Media Story Grant has contributed to greater public awareness of the role clean energy can play in improving livelihoods and strengthening Nigeria’s energy future.