The Federal Government, in partnership with private‑sector investors, began deploying 1,000 mini‑grids to electrify rural communities across the country on Wednesday. The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) manages the rollout, providing funds to private‑sector developers to boost off‑grid electricity development.
Speaking at the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) Call‑3 Bidders Workshop in Abuja, REA Managing Director Ahmad Salihijo announced that more than 1,000 mini‑grids will be built nationwide under the REF programme and other off‑grid initiatives. He highlighted the success of earlier REF projects, noting that “renewable energy technology is good economics and the business models work.” Salihijo expressed confidence that leveraging off‑grid renewable energy will transform additional rural communities through REF Call‑3, and that the target of over 1,000 mini‑grids will be achieved in the coming years alongside other REA programmes and the President’s plan to deploy five million solar‑based connections under the Economic Sustainability Plan.
Represented at the workshop by Executive Director of Corporate Services Olaniyi Alaba, Salihijo reminded bidders that the REA is the implementing agency for Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan. He affirmed the agency’s continued support for off‑grid development by creating an enabling environment for investment, including access to data, policy support, grants, and capacity development. “Providing energy access to millions of Nigerians through renewable energy is critical if we are to deliver the economic benefits that will spur rural growth and development,” he said.
The purpose of the REF Call‑3 Bidders Workshop, Salihijo explained, was to sensitize shortlisted bidders to eligibility and selection criteria for business and financial models, technical specifications, regulatory requirements, and proposal submission timelines. He emphasized REA’s commitment to helping developers succeed and thanked all bidders for their interest in supporting the mandate to deploy projects in Nigeria’s rural areas.
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