DistantNews
Support us
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Energy & Infrastructure

Nigeria launches 12MW solar mini-grids to power 13,000 homes

From ThisDay · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • The Nigerian federal government has initiated four solar hybrid mini-grid projects in Rivers State, totaling 11.9MW, to provide electricity to over 13,492 homes and businesses.
  • Implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under the DARES Programme with World Bank support, these projects aim to accelerate universal energy access and economic growth.
  • The initiative is seen as a demonstration of federal and state collaboration, extending the "Renewed Hope Agenda" and positioning Rivers State as a renewable energy leader.

The federal government of Nigeria has broken ground on four solar hybrid mini-grid projects in Rivers State, a significant step towards electrifying over 13,492 households, businesses, and public institutions. These projects, with a combined capacity of 11.9MWp, are designed to deliver reliable electricity, thereby accelerating Nigeria's progress toward universal energy access and fostering sustainable economic development.

The projects are a clear demonstration of the productive collaboration between the Federal and Rivers State Governments.

— Professor Ngozi Nma OduDeputy Governor of Rivers State, highlighting the cooperative effort behind the solar mini-grid projects.

Implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) Programme, the initiative receives crucial support from the World Bank. The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by representatives of the Rivers State government, underscored the productive collaboration between federal and state authorities. The Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, who represented Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for extending the "Renewed Hope Agenda" to the state through strategic investments in renewable energy.

Dr. Abba Aliyu, the Managing Director and CEO of the REA, stated that these projects reaffirm the Federal Government's commitment to ensuring no community is left behind due to its location. He emphasized that the mini-grids will supply clean, reliable, and affordable electricity, which is expected to stimulate local businesses, enhance healthcare and education services, create jobs, and improve the overall livelihoods of residents in the beneficiary communities.

For decades, Rivers State has powered Nigeria through its oil and gas resources. Today, it is positioning itself to become a leader in renewable energy as well.

— Dr. Abba AliyuManaging Director and CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency, speaking on the state's energy transition.

Aliyu further noted the symbolic significance for Rivers State, which has historically powered Nigeria through its oil and gas resources. "Today, it is positioning itself to become a leader in renewable energy as well," he remarked. He added that communities contributing to Nigeria's energy security deserve reliable electricity that drives local prosperity, highlighting the dual benefit of resource contribution and local development.

Communities that have contributed immensely to Nigeria’s energy security deserve reliable electricity that drives local prosperity.

— Dr. Abba AliyuManaging Director and CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency, emphasizing the benefits for local communities.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ThisDay in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog