Tegbe commends REA as agency commissions 505kWp solar mini-grid in Lagos communities

By Editor

Minister of Power, Chief Olasunkanmi Joseph Tegbe, has commended the Rural Electrification Agency REA for what he described as remarkable achievements in expanding electricity access across Nigeria.

He stated this during the commissioning of a 505-kilowatt peak kWp interconnected solar mini-grid project serving five communities in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The project, commissioned under the Rural Electrification Fund REF Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme IMAS, will provide reliable and sustainable electricity to the communities of Odogbawojo, Odoshiwola, Odoayan, Ora and Ibowon.

Implemented by the REA, the project was co-financed by the European Union and the German Government through GIZ under the Nigerian Energy Support Programme NESP, with A4&T Power Solutions Limited serving as the project developer in partnership with Eko Electricity Distribution Company EKEDC.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Tegbe described the REA’s nationwide interventions as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving universal energy access under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The scale of what the REA is doing today is extraordinary,” the minister said. “REA’s footprints traverse the entire country. Over one thousand mini-grids are currently under active development across this country.”

He noted that under the World Bank-supported Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) initiative, solar home systems have reached nearly 3.9 million Nigerians.

Highlighting some of the agency’s recent achievements, Tegbe said the REA had commissioned the North-central region’s largest solar hybrid mini-grids, including a 704-kilowatt system in Offa, Kogi State, serving more than 3,000 customers.

He also cited the impact of a 50-kilowatt mini-grid in Sokoto, which has enabled women entrepreneurs to extend their business hours, and renewable energy projects in Katsina that combine solar power with housing initiatives to promote peace in communities affected by climate and security challenges.

“The REA has shown that the energy transition is not an abstract policy document. It is happening community by community, kilowatt by kilowatt, life by life. Dr. Abba Aliyu, your agency, your team and your developers deserve the gratitude of the nation. On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government, I commend you wholeheartedly,” he said.

The newly commissioned 505kWp facility is expected to serve households, small businesses, public institutions and productive users, boosting economic activities, improving access to social services and enhancing the quality of life in the beneficiary communities.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the initiative as a strong example of successful collaboration between the Federal Government and the private sector.

“This project is a strong example of how collaboration between the Federal Government and private sector can transform rural communities. Lagos State remains committed to supporting initiatives that expand energy access and drive inclusive growth,” the governor said.

REA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, said the project demonstrated the effectiveness of the REF-IMAS framework in attracting private sector investment for sustainable energy delivery.

“This commissioning underscores the effectiveness of the REF-IMAS framework in unlocking private sector participation to deliver sustainable energy access. At REA, we remain committed to closing Nigeria’s energy gap through scalable and impact-driven interventions,” Aliyu stated.

Head of NESP-GIZ, Duke Benjamin, stressed the importance of sustained international partnerships in advancing Nigeria’s clean energy transition.

“This project demonstrates the power of strong partnerships in delivering climate-smart and inclusive energy solutions. GIZ is proud to support Nigeria in scaling decentralized renewable energy systems that improve livelihoods and drive sustainable development,” he said.

Project developer, A4&T Power Solutions Limited, described the commissioning as a significant milestone for indigenous renewable energy development, noting that it showcased the capacity of Nigerian firms to deliver world-class clean energy infrastructure.

Similarly, Managing Director and CEO of Eko Electricity Distribution Company, EKEDC, said the project highlighted the benefits of collaboration between electricity distribution companies and renewable energy developers in strengthening distribution networks and improving service delivery.

The Chairman of Eredo Local Council Development Area LCDA, welcomed the intervention, describing it as transformative for the host communities.

According to him, the project will stimulate economic activities, empower small businesses and significantly improve the quality of life of residents.

The REA said the project forms part of its broader national electrification portfolio, which includes the Rural Electrification Fund REF, Nigeria Electrification Project NEP,  Capital Projects, Energizing Education Programme EEP, Energizing Economies Initiative EEI and the DARES Programme, all aimed at achieving universal access to electricity.

The agency added that the REF-IMAS model continues to serve as a catalyst for scaling private sector-led mini-grid deployment across Nigeria, reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding infrastructure, promoting inclusive economic growth and accelerating the country’s clean energy transition.