The Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), led by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), has marked a significant achievement by completing the deployment of 103 mini-grids across Nigeria.
This milestone, achieved through the Solar Hybrid Mini-grid component, is now providing reliable electricity to more than 46,000 households and small businesses across the nation….CONTINUE READING
This achievement was celebrated in conjunction with the 10th Mini-Grid Roundtable discussion, held virtually with participating developers.
Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, the Managing Director of REA, shared this accomplishment during the virtual event, reiterating the agency’s unwavering commitment to narrowing the energy access gap in Nigeria.
Supported by funding from the World Bank, the NEP is designed to advance electricity access for rural and underserved areas in Nigeria, benefiting households, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and public facilities.
Ahmad highlighted that REA was established with the clear goal of increasing electricity access and has made remarkable progress since its inception.
The agency’s approach involves diverse electrification programs, including the NEP, which has a far-reaching impact on economic growth, education, and the overall quality of life for Nigerians.
The cornerstone of their project implementation strategy is the Performance Based Grant (PBG) sub-component. This innovative financing mechanism grants qualified developers the resources to build and operate mini-grids in rural communities.
Thanks to the PBG, private-sector investments in mini-grids have surged, leading to the completion and commissioning of over 100 mini-grids through the NEP. These grids have brought clean and reliable electricity to 46,661 households, MSMEs, and public facilities.
Emphasizing the success of the Solar Hybrid Mini-grid component, Ahmad stressed that each connection made is a stride toward bridging the energy gap and catalyzing economic development.
Currently, an additional 281,578 connections are in progress, poised to amplify the project’s impact and extend its reach even further.
As REA continues its endeavors, the triumphant deployment of 103 mini-grids underscores the project’s commitment to creating a brighter and more electrified future for communities all across Nigeria.
Ahmad concluded with a forward-looking vision, asserting their dedication to ongoing expansion, innovation, and the widespread illumination of every corner of the nation.
In his reflections, Abba Aliyu, the Head of the REA Project Management Unit of the NEP, expressed his gratification at the achievement, noting that the initiative has positively transformed the lives of over 230,000 individuals throughout Nigeria.
