The Federal Government is stepping up efforts to tackle Nigeria’s electricity challenges with the rollout of 60.82MW renewable power projects across six states. The initiative, led by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), is focused on expanding access to reliable electricity through decentralised mini-grids, particularly in communities where power supply remains a major challenge.
The latest addition came in Yobe State, where the government broke ground on a 13.92MW-peak interconnected hybrid solar project. The project brings the total capacity of recent REA renewable energy projects to 60.82MW, following earlier developments in Kogi, Rivers, Adamawa, Kebbi and Plateau states. Among them are a 20MW mini-grid in Egume, Kogi State, an 11.9MWp project in Ogu-Bolo, Rivers, and a 10MW installation in Kofare, Adamawa.
In Yobe, the World Bank-supported project will feature 40 distribution transformers and provide electricity to key residential and commercial areas. The installations will be spread across Nguru, Potiskum, Gashua and Damaturu, with the goal of improving power stability while giving businesses and households a more dependable electricity supply. Beyond lighting homes, the project is expected to support local commerce, agriculture and other economic activities.
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, welcomed the project, describing it as an important step towards strengthening infrastructure and supporting industrial and agricultural development. REA Managing Director, Dr Abba Abubakar Aliyu, also stressed that the interconnected mini-grids were designed to work alongside existing distribution networks. He said the initiative was about more than electricity, noting that better power could help businesses expand, young people innovate, farmers process their produce and healthcare facilities deliver improved services.
The renewable energy push is also set to continue in Yobe, with the REA revealing that 14 additional projects are already in the pipeline. Together, the projects are expected to add another 15.3MWp of capacity and create about 23,870 new electricity connections across communities, including Jawur Katamma, Federal Polytechnic Damaturu and Dibbwol. With these developments, the government is betting on renewable energy not only to close Nigeria’s electricity gap but also to create new opportunities for communities and businesses.
source: punch
