Almost all technical development efforts in both the developed and the developing nations depend on electrical energy. However, the sources of conventional means of electricity generation are fast depleting. Consequently, most industrialised nations have research on solar energy as a way to avert impending energy crisis. This paper presents the investments in energy generation in Nigeria. The efforts made in solar energy research and utilization are highlighted. The financial investments by the Nigerian government to the development of electrical power industry between 1990 and 1994 are presented and discussed. A case is made for a systematic and coordinated financial investments in solar energy research and adaptation to complement power generation from conventional Sources. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Ltd.