The Rural Electrification Agency (REA), in collaboration with the Federal and state governments, has commenced the construction of 42 renewable energy projects in Adamawa and Kebbi states as part of efforts to expand electricity access, boost economic activities, and improve power supply in underserved communities.
The projects include 39 mini-grid installations in Adamawa State and a 3.5-megawatt solar power project in Kebbi State under the Federal Government’s rural electrification programme.
Adamawa to receive 39 mini-grids
In Adamawa State, the Federal Government flagged off the construction of 39 mini-grid projects under the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up Programme.
The projects comprise three interconnected mini-grids and 36 isolated mini-grids.
The interconnected mini-grids are located in Kofare, Saminaka, and Mbamba, with installed capacities of 10 megawatts, 2.6 megawatts, and 890 kilowatts respectively.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, the Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, said the projects would add nearly 27 megawatts of renewable electricity to communities across Adamawa State.
According to the minister, the initiative will provide electricity to about 40,000 households and businesses across Kofare, Saminaka, Mbamba, Gulak, Michika, Shuwa, Bazza, Belel, Ganye, Song, Hong, Mubi, Guyuk, and other communities.
He added that about 6,000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises—including welders, tailors, grain millers, cold-room operators, ICT businesses, and agro-processors—will benefit from improved electricity supply.
More than 100 public institutions, including schools, healthcare centres, and water facilities, are also expected to be connected.
“Behind every connection is more than a meter. It is a family whose quality of life will improve, a child whose education will be enhanced, an entrepreneur whose business will expand, and a community whose future will become brighter,” Tegbe said.
He explained that the mini-grids are designed to complement the national grid in communities with little or no electricity while encouraging greater private sector investment in renewable energy.
The minister also commended Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, for supporting the project through the provision of land and other implementation assistance.
Governor Fintiri described the initiative as a major step toward improving electricity access and driving economic development across the state.
“This is not just a foundation laying; it is the announcement of our collective resolve to launch a strategic onslaught against energy poverty and to deliberately harness nature’s bounties through alternative energy sources,” he said.
He recalled that discussions on the investment began in 2025 during an REA-convened roundtable in Abuja, where the state government offered incentives including credit guarantees, concessional financing, and free land for the projects.
Fintiri also commended Mahashakti Nigeria Limited and the Yola Electricity Distribution Company for their roles in the implementation.
The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, said the project aligns with the agency’s goal of expanding electricity access through renewable energy.
“We are gathered here not merely to break ground for infrastructure; we are here to switch on a new future for the people of Adamawa State,” he said.
Aliyu noted that the project’s success would ultimately be measured by the businesses created, jobs generated, schools transformed, healthcare services improved, and communities empowered through reliable electricity.
Kebbi begins 3.5MW solar project
In Kebbi State, Governor Nasir Idris flagged off the construction of a 3.5-megawatt solar power project alongside the Lot 7 Design, Supply and Installation of a 33kV Power Infrastructure Project in Ambursa.
The governor said the project would improve electricity supply across the state, support economic activities, and include battery storage systems capable of providing power after sunset.
He disclosed that the state government provided the project site free of charge to the contractor, Kelm Elicon Joint Venture, and urged the company to complete the work within the agreed timeline.
Speaking at the event, REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved a $750 million facility for the agency to implement interconnected mini-grid projects across Nigeria.
According to him, about $10 million will be invested in the Kebbi project, which is expected to provide electricity to more than 1,000 households and strategic facilities, including the Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi.
He said the investment would strengthen power reliability, support businesses, and promote economic development in the state.
Chief Executive Officer of Kobeissi Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Limited, Ali Kobeissi, assured that the project would be completed within eight months and appealed to host communities to cooperate with workers during implementation.
The Adamawa and Kebbi projects form part of the Federal Government’s rural electrification programme aimed at expanding access to electricity through renewable energy, increasing private sector participation, and improving power supply in underserved communities.
