The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has commissioned a 505-kilowatt peak (kWp) solar mini-grid project to provide reliable and sustainable electricity to five communities in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State. The project was developed under the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS).

The REA disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, noting that the project was implemented in partnership with A4&T Power Solutions Limited and the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC). The European Union, German Government, and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) through the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP) co-financed the project.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, praised the agency's growing footprint across the country and highlighted the federal government's commitment to expanding energy access under President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted that more than 1,000 mini-grid projects are currently under development nationwide.

The solar facility is designed to power homes, small businesses, schools, health facilities, and other productive users, with the aim of stimulating economic activities, improving social services, and enhancing living standards across the beneficiary communities.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commended the project, describing it as an example of collaboration between government and the private sector that can accelerate development in rural communities. He stated that Lagos State remains committed to supporting initiatives that expand energy access and drive inclusive growth.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of REA, Abba Aliyu, noted that the commissioning demonstrates the effectiveness of the REF-IMAS framework in unlocking private sector participation to deliver sustainable energy access.

This is not the first mini-grid project by the REA. In recent years, the agency has implemented several mini-grid projects across Nigeria, aiming to provide electricity to rural communities. In 2022, the REA commissioned a 704-kilowatt solar hybrid mini-grid in Offa, Kogi State, serving over 3,000 customers.

The solar mini-grid project marks another step towards Nigeria's energy transition, reducing the country's reliance on fossil fuels and promoting the use of renewable energy sources.

The Nigerian government has been working to improve energy access across the country, with a focus on rural areas. The REA has been at the forefront of this effort, implementing various projects to provide electricity to underserved communities.

In recent years, the REA has implemented several mini-grid projects across Nigeria, aiming to provide electricity to rural communities. This push for energy access is also expected to improve the country's economic development and social welfare.

In a bid to enhance the impact of the mini-grid projects, the REA has partnered with various organizations, including the European Union, German Government, and GIZ.

The REA is also seeking to expand its mini-grid projects nationwide, aiming to reach more communities and provide electricity to a larger population.

As Nigeria continues to face energy challenges, the REA's efforts to promote the use of renewable energy sources are seen as crucial to the country's energy transition.

The use of solar energy is becoming increasingly important in Nigeria, as the country seeks to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

The solar mini-grid project is one of many initiatives aimed at providing energy access to rural communities, reducing the country's reliance on fossil fuels, and promoting the use of renewable energy sources.

“The scale of what the REA is doing today is extraordinary,” said Joseph Tegbe.

“This project is a testament to the growing capacity of indigenous firms to deliver large-scale renewable energy infrastructure,” said A4&T Power Solutions Limited.

Key Facts

• The 505-kWp solar mini-grid project was commissioned in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State. • The project was implemented by A4&T Power Solutions Limited and EKEDC. • The European Union, German Government, and GIZ co-financed the project. • The solar facility is designed to power homes, small businesses, schools, health facilities, and other productive users. • The project is expected to serve five communities: Odogbawojo, Odoshiwola, Odoayan, Ora, and Ibowon. • The REA has completed over 1,000 mini-grid projects nationwide. • In 2022, the REA commissioned a 704-kW solar hybrid mini-grid in Offa, Kogi State, serving over 3,000 customers.