Managing Solar Mini-Grid Projects in North East Nigeria: Operational Challenges and Best Practices

Solar mini-grid projects deployed across North East Nigeria have expanded electricity access in rural communities previously unserved by the national grid, yet project managers face persistent operational challenges related to technical maintenance, revenue collection, community relations, and regulatory compliance. This study examines the operational management challenges experienced by solar mini-grid project managers in Borno, Adamawa, and Gombe States, drawing on in-depth interviews with 24 project managers and site supervisors working for public and private operators. A structured case study methodology documents operational incidents, downtime causes, revenue model performance, and community grievance mechanisms across 16 mini-grid sites. Management practices are evaluated against a framework derived from the Rural Electrification Agency's mini-grid regulation guidelines and international best practice standards. Findings identify battery maintenance scheduling, tariff collection default rates, and spare parts procurement delays as the three most critical operational failure drivers. Sites with dedicated community liaison officers demonstrate 40 percent lower tariff default rates and faster fault resolution times. The study develops a practical operational management guide for mini-grid project managers in North East Nigeria, incorporating performance monitoring checklists, maintenance planning templates, and community engagement protocols. Recommendations include mandatory project manager certification through a structured PGD-level competency programme and establishment of a regional spare parts distribution hub coordinated by the Rural Electrification Agency. Keywords: mini-grid management, solar energy, North East Nigeria, operational challenges, rural electrification.