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REA commissions 440kWp for 2,500 households in Cross River

Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has Commissions 440kWp Interconnected Mini-Grid in Etomi, Agbokim, Abia, and Bendeghe Communities, Etung LGA, Cross River State

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) today officially commissioned a 440kWp interconnected mini-grid in the communities of Etomi, Agbokim, Abia, and Bendeghe in Etung Local Government Area, Cross River State.

The initiative aims to accelerate the development of Nigeria’s interconnected mini-grid market and provide clean energy access to approximately 125,000 beneficiaries.

This landmark project, implemented under the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS), is part of a €9.3 million in-kind grant initiative funded by the European Union and supported by the German Cooperation.

The project will provide reliable, clean, and sustainable energy to these underserved communities, significantly contributing to their socio-economic development.

The ceremony was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, represented by the Honorable Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Cross River State, Hon. Prince Eka Williams, the Permanent Secretary of Cross River State, the Chairman of Etung Local Government, the District Head, and Community Heads.

In his address, the Governor expressed his deep appreciation for the project, emphasizing its potential to transform the socio-economic landscape of the state.

Otu stated, “This mini-grid project is a landmark achievement for Cross River State. It not only provides access to sustainable energy for the communities of Etomi, Agbokim, Abia, and Bendeghe but also opens doors to numerous opportunities for growth and development. The Cross River State Government is committed to supporting further initiatives like this, as we work towards ensuring that every community in the state has access to reliable and affordable electricity.”

He tasked the benefiting communities to scale up this project by actively participating in its maintenance and management, ensuring its long-term sustainability.

He emphasised the importance of community ownership, urging local leaders and residents to take responsibility for protecting the infrastructure and preventing any form of vandalism.

He also encouraged the communities to explore innovative ways to expand the reach of the mini-grid, including the establishment of small businesses that can thrive with reliable power supply.

By doing so, he believes that these communities can fully capitalize on the opportunities the mini-grid offers and become models of self-sufficiency and economic growth in the region.

The governor assured the residents that the state government would continue to support their efforts and work closely with the REA and other stakeholders to further enhance the project’s impact, with the ultimate goal of improving the overall quality of life for all residents.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to the e-HEART initiative, which aims to leverage sustainable energy to improve vital sectors such as healthcare, education, and agriculture in rural areas.

Prince Otu emphasised the importance of integrating the mini-grid project into the e-HEART framework and assured the communities of continued government support to expand energy access and drive long-term development in Cross River State.

Meanwhile, the REA Managing Director/CEO of REA, represented by the Director of the Rural Electrification Fund, Ngozi Chimdi-Ejiogu, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders involved in making the project a reality. Special thanks were extended to the German Cooperation, European Union, and GIZ for their financial contributions to the development of the IMAS initiative.

Additionally, the MD/CEO praised the efforts of the Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund Directorate, the Project Lead, and team members, Darway Coast Limited (the Project Developer), and the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) for ensuring seamless integration into the national grid.

He said, “This project is not just about infrastructure; it’s about empowering the communities of Etomi, Agbokim, Abia, and Bendeghe with the transformative power of sustainable energy. This mini-grid will enhance local economic activities, support small businesses, improve education and healthcare services, and ultimately uplift the quality of life for the residents of these communities.”

The mini-grid is a major step toward reducing reliance on harmful energy sources like kerosene, diesel, and firewood, offering a renewable energy solution to local households and businesses.

Darway Coast Limited, the project developer, expressed their pride in being part of this transformative project: “We are honored to be involved in bringing sustainable energy solutions to the communities of Etomi, Agbokim, Abia, and Bendeghe.

The successful implementation of this mini-grid is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. At Darway Coast Limited, we believe in the potential of renewable energy to drive positive change, and we are thrilled to have contributed to the development of a solution that will enhance the quality of life in these communities.

This project not only provides reliable electricity but also opens up new opportunities for economic development and social progress.”

Mr. Augustine Obinna, a representative from the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC), also shared their perspective on the project’s significance.

“We are proud to have been part of this journey, ensuring the seamless integration of the mini-grid into the national grid,” said the PHEDC representative.

“This project is a perfect example of how partnerships can drive progress. By collaborating with the Rural Electrification Agency, Darway Coast Limited, and other stakeholders, we have been able to provide a solution that not only supplies power but also empowers communities. This mini-grid will support local businesses, enhance education, and improve healthcare services, ultimately creating a brighter future for the residents of these areas.”

He emphasised the need for community ownership and accountability to ensure sustainability.

Local leaders and residents from the four benefiting communities, especially HRH Ntufm Raphael Ekuri Agbor, shared their gratitude and excitement about the project’s impact on their lives and emphasised the need for collective protection of the project equipment to eliminate darkness in the communities.

Representatives from GIZ, including Mr. Eckhard Heine, also attended the event and offered remarks on the project’s significance. Mr. Heine emphasized the importance of partnerships in achieving renewable energy development, stating, “This mini-grid is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved when governments, development partners, and local communities work together to address energy access challenges. GIZ is committed to supporting such initiatives as we collectively strive for a sustainable and prosperous future.”

In addition to powering homes, the 440kWp mini-grid will energize local businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities, providing a foundation for greater economic and social development.

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The REA is also collaborating with the Cross River State government to explore further opportunities for decentralized energy solutions, including additional mini-grids and solar power systems, to expand energy access throughout the state.

The REA reaffirmed its commitment to improving energy access across Nigeria, particularly in rural and underserved communities. By expanding renewable energy solutions such as this mini-grid project, the REA is working to bridge the energy gap, reduce poverty, and contribute to Nigeria’s long-term sustainable development.

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is the Implementing Agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) under the Federal Ministry of Power tasked with the electrification of unserved and underserved communities to catalyze economic growth and improve quality of life for Nigerians.

The Agency was established under part IX, Sections 88- 89 of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA), 2005.

March 5, 2025
REA inaugurates 550kWp solar mini-grid for Plateau

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) yesterday inaugurated its 550kWp solar hybrid mini- grid project in Bakin Ciyawa and Kwande communities, Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State. The project is targeted at electrifying 3,500 households.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director, Abubakar Aliyu, an engineer, who was represented by the Executive Director, Doris Ugoh, said: “Bakin Ciyawa and Kwande Communities: For the Bakin Ciyawa and Kwande communities, the completion of this 550 kWp interconnected mini-grid is a game-changer. Bakin Ciyawa now has a 390 kWp system, and Kwande has a 160 kWp system.

“Together, these systems will provide clean and sustainable electricity to over 3,500 households and countless micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).”

He further said the reliable electricity would unlock new economic opportunities, support local businesses, and improve access to key services such as education and healthcare.

He urged the communities to protect the project.

He stressed that while some communities are sweating to upgrade to the quantum of the project, 10,000 communities have been mapped out, while over 20, 000 communities across the Federation have are not been electrified.

According to him, protecting the project would encourage the agency extend the solar project to its adjoining communities.

He said with the commissioning of the project, the communities would experience economic boom and expansion.

Aliyu explained that the project is an Interconnected Mini-Grid Accelerated Scheme (IMAS). He said the commissioning is part of the Interconnected Mini-Grid Accelerated Scheme (IMAS), which was established to accelerate the development of Nigeria’s mini-grid market and provide clean, renewable energy to underserved communities.

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Aliyu said: “Through this scheme, we aim to reach 125,000 beneficiaries across Nigeria, across the six geopolitical regions, with the collaboration of our development partners, including German Cooperation, European Union (EU), and GIZ. As part of this effort, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is driving the implementation and scaling of mini-grids to help tackle energy poverty, improve the standard of living, and support socio-economic growth.”

On Carbon Emission Reduction and Environmental Impact, he said one of the most profound benefits of the solar mini-grids is impact on the environment.

The REA boss said by replacing traditional fossil fuel-based energy sources such as diesel generators and kerosene, the mini-grids are significantly reducing carbon emissions.

He said the 550 kWp system installed in Bakin Ciyawa and Kwande will reduce an estimated 600 tons of CO2 emissions annually.

He further said the carbon emission reduction is equivalent to taking approximately 130 cars off the road or planting about 15,000 trees each year.

Meanwhile, the Plateau State Governor, Barr Caleb Mutfwang Manasseh recalled that last year, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the state government and REA to lighten up the rural communities in Plateau State.

Represented by the Commissioner for Tourism, Mr. Cornelius Doeyok, he was thankful to the agency for accepting to partner with the State to bring light to the rural communities.

He also recalled “also that a 1.2 billion counterpart funding was paid to enable our primary health clinics get lighted through projects like this.

“And this he is doing to enable the rural communities to key into preventive medicine. Because most of our medicines get spoiled because we don’t have the facilities to keep them.”

Speaking, the German Ambassador, Dr. Karin Jansin, described the project as very important to her country and Plateau State.

According to her, more than 20,000 people would benefit from the project.

She added that the project would aid job creation, especially for agriculture, industries and many other areas.

The Community Head, Hubert Isah said citing the project in the area, shows that the Federal Government has not forgotten the rural areas.

February 18, 2025
GEF, UNDP, REA kick-off 23 additional mini-grids

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has conveyed the Africa Mini-Grids Program (AMP) Grant Award Ceremony in Abuja, signaling the kick off of the development of 23 additional mini-grids across six geo-political zones in Nigeria, with capacity ranging from 30Kwp to 200Kwp.

In a bid to advance the nation’s clean energy ecosystem and catalyse socio-economic development through the deployment of clean energy infrastructure for agricultural development, the agency has advanced the implementation of the Africa Mini-grids Program.

An impact-focused initiative active in 21 countries, the Africa Mini-Grids Program (AMP), launched in 2022, is being funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria.

A statement on the programme at the weekend said: “On Friday the 31st of January 2025, the REA convened the AMP Grant Award Ceremony, signaling the kick off of the development of 23 additional mini-grids across 6 geo-political zones in Nigeria, with capacity ranging from 30Kwp to 200Kwp.”

This intervention is designed to impact over 70,000 Nigerians, enabling over 600 productive use connections and over 375 social connections.

Eighteen renewable energy developers have been awarded grant agreements to the tune of $5.91 million.

Since its activation, the REA has worked in lockstep with the GEF, the UNDP, the Federal Ministry of Environment and other frontline stakeholders in the energy access ecosystem to develop and strengthen community-centered objectives of the AMP.

The GEF-funded AMP has enabled the sector to further x-ray the rural agricultural value chains, while creating a pathway for accelerated, sustainable energy access in last-mile Nigeria.

The AMP’s innovative model further guarantees that public and private stakeholders work in lockstep in their commitment to sustainable energy solutions for agricultural development and food security in Nigeria.

February 1, 2025
BREAKING: Tinubu appoints Abba Aliyu as REA boss

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Abba Abubakar Aliyu as the substantive Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

This was contained in a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday.

The appointment, which takes effect from January 23, 2025, will see Aliyu serve an initial four-year term.

Aliyu, a seasoned energy expert with over two decades of experience in the power, water resources, and transportation sectors, had been acting as the agency’s Managing-Director since March 2024.

His leadership roles in both the on-grid and off-grid electricity sectors have positioned him as a key player in Nigeria’s energy development landscape.

Before joining REA, Aliyu served as the Head of the Project Management Unit at the Nigeria Electrification Project, General Manager of Corporate Services, Projects, and Research, and Deputy General Manager at Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading PLC (NBET).

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His extensive experience is expected to drive the agency’s mission of providing stable and affordable electricity to rural communities.

President Tinubu expressed confidence in Aliyu’s ability to lead the agency toward achieving its goals under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda on sustainable energy and power.

January 31, 2025
REA outlines plan for $750m World Bank loan implementation

The federal government on Wednesday, December 18, revealed its plan for the implementation of the $750 billion World Bank loan for the development of renewable energy.

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is championing the development of renewable energy to boost supply to education, health, agriculture, rural communities, and transportation sectors.

With about 80 million Nigerians estimated to be without electricity supply, the government said the e-HEART project aims to deploy mini-grids to solve the energy access problems in rural communities, thereby creating sustainable economies and reducing rural-urban drift in Nigeria.

The government, as part of this strategy, has also earmarked another $700 million from the African Development Bank to fund the “desert to power” project, which seeks to harness the abundant sunlight in the northern region of the country to generate renewable energy for communities.

According to the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, at a stakeholder engagement workshop organized by REA in Abuja, off-grid electricity supply has become a key component of the government’s plan to bridge the electricity supply gap.

Represented by the Director of Renewable and Rural Power Access, Dr. Sunday Owolabi expressed optimism that the various projects in the renewable energy sector would impact at least 13 million Nigerians.

He said: “At the recent Federal Executive Council (FEC), His Excellency approved €161 million worth of contracts for the upgrade of power substations under the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI). I am happy to assure you that we are on course to deliver an additional 150MW to the grid while impacting 14 existing substations and establishing 21 new ones.

“The team at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have also been hard at work as we approach the kick-off of the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) programme, which I believe many of you must have heard about. Our partners at the World Bank have committed $750 million to this groundbreaking project and we are certain that over 13 million Nigerians will be impacted through the DARES”.

Also speaking, the Managing Director/CEO, REA, Engr. Abba Aliyu noted that the Rural Electrification Fund has deployed 124 mini-grids and 25,580 solar home systems with a combined capacity of 16.6MW.

He disclosed that 195,198 connections have been made with 183 communities and 12 markets among the beneficiaries.

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Aliyu said the project would provide uninterrupted power supply to 3,700 primary healthcare centres, 25 schools per state and FCT, 25 communities in each state and FCT, and solar-powered tricycles and charging stations across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

“I want to state that there was never a time in this country that the renewable energy sector has received the level of attention and support that we are getting from this government. The first act the President signed when he assumed office is the Electricity Act and this is the reason why we are here. It is the basis why all the commissioners from the states are here and it is the reason why we have much more opportunities for states and local governments to get involved in the electricity sector”, he stated.

He urged the sub-national governments and private sector to key into the several programmes of the Federal Government to ensure the provision of sustainable and quality power supply to the citizenry.

December 18, 2024
REA urges Bauchi to tap into $620m for mini-grid, solar

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) yesterday urged the Bauchi State to tap into the $410million for mini-grids and $210 million for the solar home system, totalling $620million.

Its managing director, Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu made the call to the Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed who led the state delegation in a working visit to the corporate Headquarters of the agency in Abuja.

He informed the governor that the funding window for the opportunity of developing renewable energy projects through the Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOS) will open in the next two weeks.

He urged the governor to attend a roundtable on renewable energy development in order to meet the developers from the private sector.

His words: “So we look forward to potentially having the state’s roundtable so that it’s not only us talking.

“We want the private sector to hear from you, to be there, show them this site, and get them to obtain this.

“Because in the next two weeks, the funding window will be open, and it’s first come, first served purpose.

“We amassed a total of $410 million for the mini green grants and $210 million for the solar home system.

“So we want the authority state to take as much as possible out of that funding.”

According to him, lack of access to electricity is on the increase because of the continuous rise in population.

He said the gap cost Nigeria N7 trillion to N25 trillion ($25 billion) to bridge.

“And that gap, your Excellency, is at a cost. It’s costing the country between 7 to 10 trillion Naira, which is about 25 billion US dollars annually, 5 to 7% of the country’s GDP,” he said.

Aliyu disclosed to the Governor that the state is highly endowed with natural resources such as sun and wind for viable renewable energy projects.

He also informed him that since Bauchi is an agrarian state, renewable energy will be of immense benefit to it.

Citing an example of Alkaleri Local Government, the REA boss said

This community has a potential of 1,585 potential connections for agricultural connection.

He said: “If you look at Bauchi, for example, focusing on just agriculture, if you take Alkaleri, there is a community in Alkaleri called Karya. This community has a potential of 1,585 potential connections for agricultural connection.”

He also told the governor about the Toro Local Government Area of the State which has 90 mini-grid sites that can be used to power about 800,000 people. He added that 335,000 can also be powered by mini-grids in the Local Government Area.

Aliyu said: “The local government alone in Bauchi has 90 mini-grid sites that can be used to power close to 800,000 individuals. Some 335,000 people can be powered by a mini-grid in Toro local government.”

Meanwhile, the Governor said the state population which would ordinarily have been seven million people has soared to 10 million because of the high level of migration to embrace the peaceful state.

He said the energy deficit in the state is so huge because it is becoming the most industrial area of the country owing to its huge solid mineral potential.

According to him, some investors have indicated interest from all over the world in developing the state as its agricultural sector is growing.

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Continuing, he said: “We are really trying to bolster the possibility of our peasant farmers doing their best, exploit their potentials. And you know, as we said, without power, you cannot do anything.

“The SMEs ministry, we have established and looking for power. The cities, our metropolitan cities are looking for power. Even our utilities like water board, the hospitals, the schools, we have them in a cluster.”

The Governor said the state would look into the possibility of providing solar-powered machines for irrigation.

He said despite the window of funding for renewable energy available in REA, the state is ready to make its contribution to provide electricity for the people.

Mohammed said, “Of course, financing model that you have established is very, very encouraging. We are not just here as beggars with caps in our hands because of the grant.

“But we are ready also to make contributions so that at the end of the day, it is going to be very collaborative.”

November 28, 2024
REA mulls 50-year sustainability for $250m varsities’ power projects

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has said unless there is a solid plan to sustain its $250 million Nigerian Electrification Project (NEP) being implemented under the Energising Education Programme (EEP) in universities and teaching hospitals for 20 to 50 years, the project should not be regarded as successful.

REA’s Managing Director Abba Aliyu said this at EEP stakeholders’ engagement forum (SEF) collaborative agreements in Abuja.

The agency signed the agreements with 15 universities.

Aliyu said: “The universities that have benefited from the deployment of these infrastructure are the lucky ones.

“But we cannot see ourselves as being successful without ensuring for those that are ongoing completion of the projects and, at the same time, ensuring the sustainability of these projects for over 20 to 50 years.

“That is when we will look back and say we have succeeded.”

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The REA boss announced that a sustainability framework had been established for the projects because of the huge public fund that had been committed to it.

He added: “The most important thing is ensuring the implementation and sustainability of these projects.

“A lot of money has been committed – public sector funding of over $250 million has been spent on both phases two and three of this project to deploy the infrastructure, to build distribution network, to upgrade substations, to meter all the connecting areas within the universities.

“At the same time, we want to build a world-class training centre and establish a foundation for training students within these universities on renewable energy.”

Aliyu said public funds had also been committed to engage different consultants who reviewed phase one as well as different international projects of similar type to come up with the sustainability plan.

He urged the stakeholders to show commitment to the completion and operation of the power plans as well as to their sustainability.

NEP’s Head, Olufemi Akinyelure, announced that the phase three of the project would be due for inauguration in the first quarter of next years.

He said: “We have started works. The preliminary work has started; the civil work has also started. Necessary equipment have been ordered; some of them have started landing. We are very hopeful that by the first quarter of next year, we will start inaugurating those universities as well.”

September 23, 2024
REA, nine universities sign agreements for cheaper, sustainable electricity

For access to cheaper electricity, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and nine universities yesterday signed

Energizing Education Programme (EEP) Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum (SEF) Collaborative Agreements.

The institutions which signed the agreements in Abuja are Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University

&Teaching Hospital, Bauchi State signed for a 1.1MW solar hybrid, 1.1MW solar hybrid in Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun, Delta State, Obafemi Awolowo University and Teaching Hospital Ile-Ife, Osun State signed for a gas powered 8.4MW.

Similarly, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) signed for 1.0MW solar hybrid, University of Port Harcourt and Teaching Hospital in Rivers State signed for 5.5MW solar hybrid.

Modibo Adama University, Yola in Adamawa State signed for 4.0MW solar hybrid as Federal University, Lokoja in Kogi State signed for 1MW solar hybrid, and Federal University, Gahsua in Yobe State signed for 1.5MW solar hybrid.

While the Federal University Dutsin-Ma in Katsina State signed for 1.0MW solar hybrid, Federal University, Lafia in Nassarawa signed for 1.0MW solar hybrid, and University of Uyo in Akwa Ibom States signed for 1.0MW solar hybrid.

While Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effuru in Delta State signed for 1.1 solar hybrid, Michael Opara University of Agriculture, Umudike in Abia State signed 3.0MW solar hybrid as

Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta in Ogun State signed for 3.0MW, University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State signed for 5.5MW solar hybrid, and University of Abuja and Teaching Hospital signed for 3.0MW solar hybrid while University of Calabar in Cross River State signed for 7.0MW solar hybrid.

The provision of the EEP is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in relation to expanding alternative energy access to underserved and unserved rural communities.

Addressing reporters, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, said although the project was yet to conclude the tariff for the projects, it will certainly be cheaper since it is from renewable energy.

His words: “We have not reached that level to determine the tariff but what we know is that the tariff will definitely be cheaper. The fact that we are using renewable sources which is cheaper by rule of thumb.”

He said part of the agreement was how to sustain the power projects.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the Energizing Education Programme (EEP) during the 2024 EEP Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum (SEF) organized by the Nigeria Electrification Programme (NEP).

The three-day, high-level event brought together key stakeholders including Vice Chancellors, Chief Medical Directors, Directors of Physical Planning/Works, and Legal Officers from EEP beneficiary institutions, along with representatives from the World Bank (WB), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and other partners.

Themed “Empowering Education through Sustainable Energy: Collaborative Pathways for the Long-term Success of the Energizing Education Programme (EEP),” the forum focused on strategies for ensuring that solar hybrid power plants deployed across beneficiary universities remain sustainable, fostering educational advancement and institutional growth.

The Energizing Education Programme, launched by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) in 2018, was designed to provide reliable power supply to 37 federal universities and 7 affiliated teaching hospitals across Nigeria.

Under the three phases of the EEP, 24 federal universities and 4 teaching hospitals have already been included:

Phase I: 9 universities and 1 teaching hospital.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu said energy access is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity that underpins the modern world.

Represented by Renewable and Rural Power Access, Assistant Director, Engr. Ben Ayangeaor, he said electricity is the catalyst that drives economic growth, improves healthcare, and empowers communities.

He added that however, its significance extends far beyond these tangible benefits.

He described energy access as a critical enabler of education, a cornerstone of progress and development.

Studies, said Adelabu, have consistently demonstrated the profound impact of energy access on educational outcomes.

The minister said when schools have reliable electricity, they can extend learning hours, utilize educational technology, and create safe and comfortable learning environments.

He said this, in turn, leads to increased enrolment, improved academic performance, and enhanced teacher/student productivity.

According to him, this is why the EEP was conceptualized to address the issue of electricity access in our educational institutions.

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Adelabu said although a number of universities in Nigeria are connected to the national grid, the consistency and quality of electricity supply can differ substantially, particularly in rural regions.

Continuing, he said “However, many educational institutions in Nigeria continue to grapple with the challenges of securing reliable and affordable electricity.

“These challenges include infrastructure limitations, financial constraints, and technical difficulties, which collectively hinder the delivery of quality education and undermine the academic experience.

“Despite these challenges, we have opportunities for innovation and collaboration.

“By investing in renewable energy technologies, improving grid infrastructure, and promoting energy efficiency, we can overcome these obstacles and expand access to electricity in educational institutions across the country.”

September 20, 2024
REA completes N28.7b projects from 2023 budget

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) yesterday said it has completed N28.7 billion projects out of its N31.7 billion allocation in 2023. Its Acting Managing Director, Engr. Abba Aliyu said this during the presentation of REA 2023 Capital Project Implementation Report in Abuja.

He said: “In total, out of the 2023 capital implementation we have completed a project of over N28.7 billion.

“Out of the N31.7 billion allocated to REA we still have about N3.3 billion projects that are ongoing, which we hope to complete in the next two months.”

He said the agency deployed N626million for the development of mini-grids that will drive electric vehicles deployment in the country.

Aliyu said: “REA agency has also utilised N626 million for the deployment of different mini-grids across the country. These mini-grids specifically focus on enhancing electric vehicle deployment.”

He also said N446 million was utilised in deploying mini-grids that would electrify electric vehicles across the six different geopolitical zones in the country which is a programmatic event that has been tested by REA and will be scaled up.

Aliyu further said REA has spent N6.3 billion on grid extension and deployment of transformers at the distribution level to connect communities within the country to the national grid.

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His words: “Additionally, we have utilized N6.3 billion for grid extension and this will focus on extending the grid and deployment of transformers at the distribution level to connect communities within the country to the national grid.”

According to him, the agency has also spent about N131 billion for the deployment of solar home systems across the country.

Aliyu said the intervention of REA in 2023 covered the entire country. He said there is no single state within the country that is not covered with the agency projects under the 2023 capital implementation. He said the agency has also focused on energising agricultural clusters across the country.

The REA boss said there is also N499 million spent for the deployment of solar street lights across the country. According to him, these solar street lights were deployed in areas specifically that are facing security challenges.

The Managing Director said the agency also spent N2.02 billion for the deployment of solar pumping irrigation pumps across the country.

Aliyu said: “These pumps were deployed and given to farmers over thousands of them across the country to enhance farming activities across the country.

He said the distribution of the REA projects covers the entire six political junctures and at the same time also covers the entire 36 states plus FCT states.

August 27, 2024
REA assures of partnership with private initiatives on clean energy in rural areas

The federal government through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has assured of its readiness to partner with private initiatives in providing clean energy in rural communities across the country.

The Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund (REF), Doris Udoh, gave the assurance on weekend, after inspection of 91kWp Solar Powered Mini-Grid executed by SAF-AGA Renewable Energy Limited at Okpokunou community in Burutu Local Government area of Delta State.

Okpokunou Mini Grid project is a private initiative of SAF-AGA to address the challenges of access to electricity in the community which had been deprived of power supply in the past 12 years.

Udoh said the agency was ever ready to partner with private initiatives to achieve what SAF-AGA has done, in bringing development to rural communities in the country.

She observed that more buildings were springing up in the community since the inauguration of the mini-grid positing “this is an indication that the area is growing and soon many SMEs will be springing up.

“It is heartening to witness initiatives like Okpokunou Mini-Grid that address this critical need, bringing clean energy and opportunities to communities. I am very impressed. This is the first time I am witnessing a community here in Nigeria that is running 100 percent on green energy”.

Udoh, who was impressed by the accolades showered on the company since it commenced operations in October last year, said REA will replicate the initiative across rural communities in the country.

“I am hoping that our agency can replicate this in so many other communities because our vision is to bring electrification to the underserved and the unserved and communities like this are everywhere in Nigeria”, she said.

The Executive Director, REF, however urged SAF-AGA to consider the complaints of the rural people on tariffs being charged, adding “REA will look into how we can reduce the tariff for the benefit of the communities”.

She charged the people of the community to protect the facility and establish a good relationship with the firm by ensuring there was no interruption in its operations.

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On his part, Chief Executive Officer of SAF-AGA Renewable Energy Limited, Dr. Godbless Safugha, disclosed that the Okpokunou Mini-Grid has a capacity of 91 kWp and a storage system of 170 kWh, powering 330 households initially, which can scale and grow with the community connecting up to 596 households and a capacity of 230 kWp, addressing the community’s energy needs.

According to him, the mini-grid was part of a larger initiative with three other neighboring communities “Ogriagbene, Enekoragha and Esama in Bomadi and Burutu Local Government areas respectively,” sharing in the benefits of the company’s vision

Safugha noted that with the successful operations of the Okpokunou Mini-Grid the firm expects collaboration with other government agencies, particularly REA, to extend the reach of mini-grids to more communities in the region.

He further expressed gratitude to the Managing Director of REA, Abba Aliyu for sending the powerful team, led by the REF Executive Director, to inspect their operations in the community.

May 5, 2024