The Federal Government, through the Rural Electrification Agency, has taken significant steps in advancing the Africa Mini-Grids Programme, an initiative aimed at improving electricity access in underserved rural communities across Nigeria.
According to The PUNCH, at the AMP Grant Award Ceremony held in Abuja on Friday, the REA officially launched the deployment of 23 mini-grids across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
These mini-grids, with capacities ranging from 30 kWp to 200 kWp, are expected to enhance sustainable energy solutions and improve the livelihoods of thousands of Nigerians.
A statement issued by the Global Environment Facility on Saturday highlighted the impact of the initiative, which is being funded by the GEF and supported by the United Nations Development Programme in Nigeria.
“The AMP, active in 21 countries since 2022, is designed to benefit over 70,000 Nigerians, enabling over 600 productive use connections and more than 375 social connections,” the statement read.
The REA disclosed that 18 renewable energy developers have been awarded grants totaling $5.91 million to facilitate the implementation of the project.
According to the Managing Director of REA, Abba Aliyu, the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to harnessing decentralized renewable energy solutions to drive economic growth, particularly in the agricultural sector.
“Our focus on energy access for agricultural productivity is intentional because agriculture remains a key industry that, if well harnessed, can drive economic growth and inclusion,” Aliyu stated.
He further explained that the programme goes beyond powering homes, as it will “energize businesses, foster innovation, create jobs, and reduce energy poverty nationwide.”
The GEF Operational Focal Person, Stanley Jonah, emphasized the transformative potential of the AMP, stating that “the completion of these projects will not only strengthen the agricultural value chain but also significantly improve the quality of life in rural areas.”
As part of the initiative, the REA has identified 23 priority sites for the pilot phase, selected from 120 locations within the Energizing Agriculture Programme pipeline. These sites represent various agricultural activities across the country, including grain processing, staple food production, cash crop value addition, and cold storage solutions to reduce post-harvest losses.
The AMP follows an innovative model that fosters collaboration between public and private stakeholders, reinforcing a shared commitment to sustainable energy solutions that support agricultural development and enhance food security.
“With a 48-month timeline, these AMP-funded mini-grids aim to catalyze access to sustainable energy infrastructure for smallholder farmers in last-mile communities while promoting scaled-up commercial investment in Nigeria’s mini-grid sector,” the statement added.
