The Rural Electrification Agency (REA), a key arm of the Federal government, celebrated a significant milestone on Thursday by inaugurating Nigeria’s inaugural interconnected mini-grid projects. These projects, a collaborative effort with PowerGen Limited and AEDC, will provide electricity to 2,000 households and businesses in the Toto community, Nasarawa State.
The 352.24kWp project, a testament to the government’s commitment to the Electricity Act, was executed under the Nigerian Electrification Project, funded by the World Bank.
Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, highlighted the project’s alignment with the government’s universal access goal by 2030. He emphasized the importance of affordable energy for rural communities, echoing a commitment to reducing rural-urban migration for sustained food security.
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Adelabu remarked, “Everybody deserves electricity… This government means every bit of what it says.” He outlined a practical, customer-centric strategy involving collaboration across the power sector’s various segments.
Regarding the project’s impact, Adelabu noted, “It will pave the way for new businesses, reduce the cost of doing business, and significantly contribute to lowering the cost of commodities in Nigeria.”
Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, applauded the success of the Toto Mini-Grid project, emphasizing the transformative power of partnerships and innovation in rural electrification. He expressed confidence in the model’s wider impact across the nation.
Seun Edun, Powergen Country Director, described the mini-grid’s hybrid nature, combining solar PVs, battery energy storage, and a backup diesel generator. This solution improves the quality of life for approximately 14,000 people in the Toto community, contributing to the Federal Government’s vision of providing electricity access to millions of underserved Nigerians.
In closing, Edun affirmed PowerGen’s ongoing commitment, stating, “PowerGen will continue to contribute to achieving the vision of the Federal Government to provide access to electricity to over 85 million unserved and many more underserved Nigerians.” The Toto Mini-Grid project stands as a beacon of hope, exemplifying progress towards a brighter, more electrified future for Nigeria’s rural communities.
