The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its dedication to increasing electricity access and ensuring that energy investments translate into improved livelihoods and economic opportunities for Nigerians. This commitment was made by the Minister of Power, Chief Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, during the inauguration of a 581kWp interconnected solar mini-grid project in Oke-Oyi community, Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State. The project aims to expand access to reliable electricity, supporting economic activities and improving livelihoods in the community.
The 581kWp interconnected solar mini-grid project was developed by Nayo Tropical Technologies Limited, with support from the German Cooperation and the European Union (EU) through GIZ, under the Rural Electrification Fund – Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme (REF-IMAS) of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). The project comprises 1,336 solar panels and 84 batteries, with approximately 10 kilometres of distribution cables and transformers supporting the electricity distribution network. This infrastructure will serve a community with an estimated population of 13,000 people.
The project serves the Oke-Oyi community, providing electricity connections to residential and productive users to complement the solar energy. Minister Tegbe emphasized that the purpose of electrification is ultimately to improve lives and create opportunities. He noted that the project is an investment in the productive capacity of the community, enabling businesses to expand and new enterprises to emerge. The minister highlighted the direct connection between energy access and economic development.
During the inauguration event, the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, lauded the Federal Government's intervention and noted the importance of reliable electricity to economic activities and community development. Represented by the Speaker of the state House of Assembly and APC gubernatorial candidate for 2027 elections in the state, Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, Governor AbdulRazaq appreciated the Federal Government, REA, and development partners for this investment in Oke-Oyi.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of REA, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, stated that the Oke-Oyi project demonstrates the agency's commitment to deploying electricity infrastructure that delivers tangible economic value to communities. He emphasized that the real measure of an electrification project is not only the infrastructure but also its impact on the community. The project is expected to contribute to the development of the community and improve the livelihoods of its residents.
Minister Tegbe further emphasized the importance of sustaining completed electricity infrastructure and ensuring that the benefits of such investments are maintained over the long term. This will enable the community to continue to reap the benefits of the project and ensure its sustainability. The Federal Government's commitment to expanding electricity access is expected to have a positive impact on the economy and improve the livelihoods of Nigerians.
The inauguration of the 581kWp interconnected solar mini-grid project in Oke-Oyi community is a significant step towards achieving the Federal Government's goal of expanding electricity access and promoting economic development. The project is expected to serve as a model for future electrification projects in Nigeria, demonstrating the effectiveness of solar mini-grid technology in providing reliable electricity to communities.
Key points
- The project has a total installed capacity of 581kWp, comprising 1,336 solar panels and 84 batteries.
