By SUNDAY ABBA, Abuja
The Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has announced the deployment of 103 mini-grids, electrifying households, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as well as public facilities in rural, underserved, or unserved areas across the country.
The managing director and chief executive officer of the agency, Engr Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, disclosed this during the 10th Mini-Grid Roundtable discussion held virtually on Wednesday.
According to Ahmad, the feat was achieved under the Performance Based Grant (PBG) subcomponent of its Nigerian Electricity Project (NEP) initiative.
“The Rural Electrification Agency’s Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), funded by the World Bank, is proud to announce a significant milestone in its Solar Hybrid Mini-grid component. This achievement coincides with the hosting of the 10th Mini Grid Roundtable discussion, held virtually today, in conjunction with developers.
“The REA has successfully deployed 103 mini-grids across Nigeria under the Performance Based Grant (PBG) subcomponent of the NEP, signaling a crucial advancement in enhancing electricity access for households, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as well as public facilities in rural and underserved parts of Nigeria,” he said.
Expressing the agency’s dedication to bridging the energy access gap in Nigeria, Ahmad said, “The REA was established with the mandate to increase access to electricity by bridging the energy access deficit in Nigeria.
“Since inception, we have made significant progress in achieving this goal. The Agency is implementing various electrification programmes – like the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) – targeted at creating lasting impacts by fostering economic growth, improving education, and enhancing the overall quality of life of Nigerians.
“One of the key strategies that we are using to achieve this goal is the Performance Based Grant (PBG) sub-component, a financing mechanism that provides grants to qualified developers to construct and operate mini-grids in rural communities.
“So far, the PBG has been very successful in attracting private sector investments in mini-grids. Through the NEP, over 80 mini-grids have been completed and commissioned, connecting about 32,000 households, MSMEs, and public facilities, and providing clean and reliable electricity.”
A statement released by the agency on Wednesday revealed that the Solar Hybrid Mini-grid component had witnessed remarkable success, with a total of 46,661 verified connections made to households, MSMEs, and public facilities.
“Each connection is a step towards bridging the energy gap and fostering economic development.” An additional 281,578 connections are in progress, poised to further expand the project’s impact and reach,” the MD added.
In concluding, he said, “The successful deployment of 103 mini-grids stands as a testament to the project’s dedication to creating a brighter and more electrified future for communities throughout Nigeria.
“We’re not stopping here. Our vision is to keep expanding, keep innovating, and keep bringing light to every corner of this nation.”
Abba Aliyu, the Head of the REA Project Management Unit of the NEP, expressed his satisfaction at the accomplishment, saying, “We are thrilled to announce that we have successfully completed and commissioned 103 mini-grids as part of the NEP initiative. This achievement underscores our commitment to providing reliable and sustainable energy solutions to communities that have long been underserved.”
He emphasised the transformative nature of the projects, saying, “Our goal has always been to empower communities with electricity. These 103 mini-grids reflect brighter future, improved livelihood, and opportunities for growth.”