The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has successfully deployed 103 mini-grids across Nigeria under the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), according to REA Managing Director, Salihijo Ahmad. This milestone was achieved as part of the Solar Hybrid Mini-grid component, which is funded by the World Bank. Ahmad made the announcement during the 10th Mini Grid Roundtable discussion held virtually on Wednesday in Abuja, in collaboration with developers.
“The REA has successfully deployed 103 mini-grids across Nigeria under the Performance Based Grant (PBG) subcomponent of the NEP. This signals a crucial advancement in enhancing electricity access for households, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as well as public facilities in rural and underserved regions of the country,” Ahmad said.
The REA is committed to bridging Nigeria’s energy access gap, and it was established with the mandate of increasing access to electricity by addressing the energy access deficit in the country. Since its inception, the agency has made significant progress in achieving this goal through various electrification programs, including the NEP. The PBG sub-component is one of the key strategies employed by the agency to foster economic growth, improve education, and enhance the overall quality of life for Nigerians.
Ahmad highlighted the success of the PBG in attracting private sector investments in mini-grids through the NEP. More than 80 mini-grids have been completed and commissioned, connecting around 32,000 households, MSMEs, and public facilities, and providing clean and reliable electricity. The Solar Hybrid mini-grid component has also seen remarkable success, with a total of 46,661 verified connections. An additional 281,578 connections are currently in progress, further expanding the project’s impact and reach.
Abba Aliyu, the Head of the Project Management Unit of the NEP, expressed satisfaction with the accomplishment, stating, “We are pleased to announce that we have successfully completed and commissioned 103 mini-grids as part of the NEP initiative. This achievement underscores our commitment to providing reliable and sustainable energy solutions to communities that have long been underserved.”
The REA’s goal has always been to empower communities with electricity, and the deployment of 103 mini-grids represents a brighter future, improved livelihoods, and opportunities for growth. The initiative has positively impacted over 230,000 people across the country, leading to positive changes in their daily routines, economic activities, and overall quality of life.
A total of 5.8 Mega Watts (MW) of photovoltaic (PV) capacity has been installed, showcasing the REA’s commitment to harnessing renewable energy sources for sustainable power solutions. As the REA continues its efforts, the successful deployment of 103 mini-grids stands as a testament to the project’s dedication to creating a brighter and more electrified future for communities throughout Nigeria.
NAN
