Power Minister Highlights Impact of Rural Electrification Projects
Joseph Tegbe, Nigeria’s Minister of Power, has underscored the transformative effects of initiatives spearheaded by the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) across the nation. Speaking at the commissioning of a groundbreaking 505kWp interconnected solar mini-grid project in Eredo community, Epe, Lagos State, Tegbe lauded the agency’s leadership for its significant advancements in recent years.
In his keynote address, Tegbe remarked, “The REA has witnessed remarkable transformation, achieving substantial results in its mission to electrify communities effectively. The agency has become a vital institution that is visibly improving lives across Nigeria—community by community, kilowatt by kilowatt.” He extended gratitude to Dr. Abba Aliyu and his team, acknowledging their commitment to developing life-changing projects.
The solar mini-grid project was executed under the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS), which stems from the Electricity Act 2023. This legislation has decentralized electricity governance and significantly encouraged private sector investment in energy projects.
Tegbe further emphasized the REA’s impressive track record, revealing that over 1,000 mini-grids are currently in development nationwide. He also highlighted the success of the World Bank-supported DARES initiative, which has successfully provided solar power systems to nearly 3.9 million Nigerians.
Dr. Abba Aliyu, the Managing Director and CEO of REA, reinforced the notion that access to electricity is essential for enhancing commercial competitiveness, fostering job creation, and driving industrial growth. He shared plans for increasing renewable energy capacity in Epe by an additional 5MW to support agricultural processing, cold chain logistics, and local market initiatives.
The project has garnered collaboration from prominent stakeholders, including the Federal Government, the European Union, and the German Government through GIZ/NESP, alongside private developers, to establish a commercially viable, subsidy-free energy model.
In his remarks, Ayo Ademilua, CEO of A4&T Solutions, the project developer, reflected on the four-year journey to realize the project. He also announced plans for an electric three-wheeler directly linked to the mini-grid, aiming to reduce local transport operating expenses by 40%. Ademilua noted that traditional rulers have approved additional land, paving the way to expand the mini-grid capacity to 1.5MW soon.
Moreover, Mr. Rotimi Abiru, representing Senator Tokunbo Abiru, commended the project as a demonstration of visionary leadership and effective representation. He emphasized that power is integral to economic growth, workforce empowerment, and helping local youth realize their potential.
