The Rural Electrification Agency (REA), in collaboration with State Governments, has performed the groundbreaking of 42 renewable energy projects in Kebbi and Adamawa States as part of ongoing efforts to expand electricity access, stimulate economic growth, and improve the livelihoods of underserved communities.
The projects comprise 39 mini-grid projects in Adamawa State and a 3.5-megawatt solar power project in Kebbi State, all being implemented under the Federal Government’s rural electrification programme. In Adamawa State, the Federal Government officially flagged off the construction of 39 mini-grid projects comprising three interconnected mini-grids and 36 isolated mini-grids under the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) Programme.
The interconnected mini-grid projects are located in Kofare, Saminaka, and Mbamba, with installed capacities of 10 megawatts, 2.6 megawatts, and 890 kilowatts, respectively. Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, described the projects as a major milestone in the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving universal electricity access through President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the 39 projects will inject nearly 27 megawatts of clean, reliable, and sustainable electricity into communities across Adamawa State, making it one of the largest decentralised renewable energy programmes implemented in a single state. He said the projects would provide electricity to about 40,000 households and businesses across Kofare, Saminaka, Mbamba, Gulak, Michika, Shuwa, Bazza, Belel, Ganye, Song, Hong, Mubi, Guyuk, and other communities.
The Minister noted that beyond providing electricity, the initiative would power approximately 6,000 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, including welders, tailors, grain millers, cold-room operators, ICT businesses, and agro-processors, thereby boosting productivity, creating jobs, and reducing dependence on expensive petrol and diesel generators.
He added that more than 100 public institutions, including schools, healthcare centres, and water facilities, would also benefit from the programme. “Behind every connection is more than a meter. It is a family whose quality of life will improve, a child whose education will be enhanced, an entrepreneur whose business will expand, and a community whose future will become brighter,” Tegbe said.
He explained that the mini-grids are designed to complement the national grid, particularly in communities with inadequate or no electricity supply, while attracting private sector investment into Nigeria’s renewable energy sector. The Minister commended Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, for his administration’s commitment to the project, particularly the provision of land and support for implementation.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the REA, development partners, investors, and community leaders, urging residents to safeguard the facilities against vandalism to ensure their sustainability.