Rural Electrification Agency to help deliver 23 mini-grids across Nigeria's six geo-political zones

NIGERIA'S federal government has announced the delivery and deployment of 23 new mini-grids across the country's six geo-political zones as part of an ambitious rural electrification programme.

To be implemented through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the programme will involve mini-grids, with capacities ranging from 30 kWp to 200 kWp, being set up nationwide. They are designed to enhance electricity access in underserved rural communities, contributing to sustainable energy solutions and improving the quality of life for local people.

Unveiling the scheme at the Africa Mini-Grids Programme (AMP) grant award ceremony in Abuja yesterday, the government said that the intervention is designed to impact over 70,000 Nigerians, enabling over 600 productive use connections and over 375 social connections. Officials added that 18 renewable energy developers have been awarded grant agreements to the tune of $5.91m.

According to the Global Environment Facility (Gef), the initiative, which became active in 21 countries in 2022, is being funded by them and is being supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria. An REA spokesman said: “Since its activation, the REA has worked in lockstep with the Gef, the UNDP, the Federal Ministry of Environment and other frontline stakeholders in the energy access ecosystem to develop and strengthen community-centred objectives of the AMP.

“The Gef-funded AMP has enabled the sector to further x-ray the rural agricultural value chains, while creating a pathway for accelerated, sustainable energy access in last-mile Nigeria. The REA convened the AMP grant award ceremony, signalling the kick-off of the development of 23 additional mini-grids across 6 geo-political zones in Nigeria, with capacity ranging from 30Kwp to 200Kwp.

“This intervention is designed to impact over 70,000 Nigerians, enabling over 600 productive use connections and over 375 social connections. In total, 18 renewable energy developers have been awarded grant agreements to the tune of $5.91m.”

Gef operational focal person, Stanley Jonah, reiterated the transformative impact of AMP, explaining that the completion of the projects will not only enhance the agricultural value chain but impact the quality of lives of rural dwellers. He said that the Gef remains committed to the growth of the energy access ecosystem.

Abba Aliyu, the managing director of the Ref, noted that AMP aligns with the federal government’s focus on the optimisation of decentralised renewable energy solutions to catalyze growth and unlock opportunities in the agricultural sector. He added that the Rea’s focus on energy access for agricultural productivity is deliberate as agriculture remains a central industry that will aid economic growth and inclusion if well harnessed.