FG Launches 13.5MW Mini-Grid Projects in Adamawa to Expand Rural Electricity Access

FG Launches 13.5MW Mini-Grid Projects in Adamawa to Expand Rural Electricity Access

The Federal Government has commenced the construction of three interconnected mini-grid projects with a combined generation capacity of 13.5 megawatts in Adamawa State, as part of efforts to expand electricity access to underserved communities and accelerate Nigeria's transition to sustainable energy under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Federal Government has officially broken ground on three interconnected mini-grid projects in Kofare, Saminaka and Mbamba communities of Adamawa State, marking another significant step towards expanding electricity access to underserved communities across Nigeria.

The projects, which have a combined generation capacity of 13.5 megawatts (MW), are designed to improve energy access, stimulate economic activities and enhance livelihoods in the benefiting communities.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the Minister of Power,  described the initiative as a major milestone in Nigeria's drive towards universal electricity access, energy security and a cleaner energy future.

According to the minister, mini-grids are not intended to replace the national grid but to complement it as part of a diversified electricity system that integrates the national grid, renewable energy, mini-grids and energy storage solutions.

Tegbe explained that the projects are being implemented under the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) Programme, which he described as the world's largest publicly funded renewable energy access initiative. He noted that the programme is mobilising public and private sector investments to provide reliable electricity to millions of Nigerians.

Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the , , disclosed that the three projects form part of a broader rollout of 39 mini-grids across Adamawa State.

He explained that the programme comprises three interconnected mini-grids and 36 isolated mini-grids with a combined capacity of nearly 27MW, expected to provide electricity to about 40,000 households, 6,000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and more than 100 public institutions.

Aliyu commended the Minister for his commitment to renewable energy development and for recognising mini-grids as an essential component of Nigeria's evolving electricity infrastructure.

Adamawa State Governor, , praised the Federal Government for the initiative and lauded the Minister's leadership, describing the projects as a direct outcome of the Rural Electrification Agency's State-by-State Roundtable held last year, which connected developer

s with state governments and showcased Adamawa's readiness for investment.

While performing the official groundbreaking, Tegbe commended the Adamawa State Government for providing 30 hectares of land for the projects. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Rural Electrification Agency, development partners, electricity distribution companies (DisCos), financiers and host communities toward the successful implementation of the initiative.

The minister urged residents of the benefiting communities to protect the infrastructure from vandalism, stressing that the facilities belong to the people and are critical to the socio-economic development of the area.

The Federal Government said the projects are expected to boost commercial activities, improve education and healthcare services, create employment opportunities and strengthen livelihoods, while advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda's commitment to delivering reliable and sustainable electricity to communities across the country.