New Lagos mini-grid will unlock businesses, jobs — Senator

Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, announced that a newly commissioned 504-kilowatt-hour interconnected mini-grid in Epe, along with a planned 5MW expansion, will unlock business opportunities, create jobs, and improve livelihoods in the area. The project aims to provide consistent electricity to businesses, agro-processors, fish merchants, artisans, schools, and healthcare facilities, which have long struggled with inadequate power supply.

Facilitated by the senator in collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the European Union, and the German government through GIZ, the mini-grid was recently commissioned in Epe, Lagos State. Abiru, represented at the event by former Lagos State House of Assembly Chief Whip Abdulateef Abiru, described the project as a catalyst for economic growth, enterprise development, and enhanced living standards for residents.

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This project did not happen by accident. It is the result of years of persistent engagement, advocacy and collaboration. Since the initiative commenced over four years ago, we remained committed to ensuring its successful delivery because we understood the transformative impact reliable electricity will have on our people and local economy.

Abiru highlighted that the mini-grid's successful delivery followed over four years of persistent advocacy and collaboration. "This project did not happen by accident. It is the result of years of persistent engagement, advocacy and collaboration," he stated, underscoring the commitment to ensuring its delivery due to the understood transformative impact of reliable electricity on the local economy and its people.

The 504kWh mini-grid represents the initial phase of a broader energy intervention. The planned 5MW expansion is expected to significantly increase electricity supply, catering to the growing economic activities across the Epe division. Senator Abiru commended the REA, the European Union, and GIZ for their partnership, calling it a model for sustainable development. He also attributed the project's success to President Bola Tinubu's administration's power sector reforms, noting that national policies are translating into tangible benefits for citizens.

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What we are witnessing now is a practical demonstration of how national policies can translate into real benefits for ordinary citizens. President Tinubu’s reforms are empowering institutions and creating opportunities for communities to access critical infrastructure that supports economic growth and development.