The Rural Electrification Agency has revealed that over 20,000 communities across Nigeria still lack access to electricity.
REA launched a 550kWp solar hybrid mini-grid project to power the Bakin Ciyawa and Kwande communities in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State, bringing electricity to 3,500 households.
REA’s Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, made this disclosure during the commissioning ceremony on Monday.
He explained that the newly completed mini-grid was part of the Interconnected Mini-Grid Accelerated Scheme, funded through an €11 million grant from the European Union and the German government to expand rural electrification.
Represented by Executive Director Doris Ugoh, Aliyu highlighted the significance of the project, stating, “For the Bakin Ciyawa and Kwande communities, the completion of this 550kWp interconnected mini-grid is a game-changer. Bakin Ciyawa now has a 390kWp system, and Kwande has a 160kWp system. Together, these systems will provide clean and sustainable electricity to over 3,500 households and countless micro, small, and medium enterprises.”
He further explained that the grant was distributed based on the energy needs of various communities, with over 60% of the funding provided by the EU and the German government.
As part of the government’s broader electrification efforts, Aliyu revealed that the Federal Government plans to power 3,700 rural communities through renewable energy, with 100 communities per state set to benefit.
“The first phase, which is going to be 25 communities per state, will be 925 communities across the federation, and we will be infusing over 92MW of clean energy into our energy space,” he noted.
Highlighting the environmental benefits, Aliyu stated that the solar mini-grids would significantly cut carbon emissions by replacing diesel generators and kerosene lamps.
“The 550kWp system installed in Bakin Ciyawa and Kwande will reduce an estimated 600 tons of CO2 emissions annually. This carbon emission reduction is equivalent to taking approximately 130 cars off the road or planting about 15,000 trees each year. These reductions are crucial in mitigating climate change and moving towards a greener future for Nigeria,” he emphasized.
He added that 10,000 communities have already been mapped out for future electrification projects, underscoring the need to protect the current installations to encourage further expansions.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, represented by Commissioner for Tourism Cornelius Doeyok, recalled the Memorandum of Understanding signed last year between the state government and REA to bring electricity to rural areas.
He also acknowledged the N1.2 billion counterpart funding provided to light up primary health clinics, stating, “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.”
German Ambassador Dr. Karin Jansin described the project as a key initiative for Germany and Plateau State, noting that it would benefit over 20,000 people.
PlShe pointed out that beyond household electrification, the project would stimulate job creation in agriculture, industry, and other sectors.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiary communities, Mr. Hubert Isa expressed gratitude, saying, “This project represents a significant step forward for our communities. It is proof that the Federal Government has not forgotten the rural areas. The promise of providing electricity to underserved communities is now becoming a reality. This project gives us hope, and it signifies that development is on its way to our doors.”
