REA COMMISSIONS 505kWp INTERCONNECTED SOLAR MINI-GRID TO POWER FIVE COMMUNITIES IN EPE, LAGOS STATE

Lagos, Nigeria –

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has commissioned a 505kWp Interconnected Solar Mini-Grid Project under the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS), delivering reliable and sustainable electricity to Odogbawojo, Odoshiwola, Odoayan, Ora and Ibowon communities in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The 505kWp facility is designed to serve households, small businesses, public institutions and productive users, driving economic activity, improving social services, and enhancing quality of life across the five beneficiary communities.

Speaking at the commissioning, the Honourable Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, GCON, described the REA’s incredible achievements as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to energy access under the Renewed Hope Agenda. “REA’s footprints traverses the entire country. The scale of what the REA is doing today is extraordinary. Over one thousand mini-grids are currently under active development across this country. Under the World Bank-supported DARES initiative alone, solar home systems have now reached nearly 3.9 million Nigerians. In the North-central region, the Agency recently commissioned the largest solar hybrid mini-grids in the area's history, including a 704-kilowatt system in Offa, Kogi State, serving over 3,000 customers. In Sokoto, a 50-kilowatt mini-grid has transformed an entire community, enabling women entrepreneurs to work through the evening hours. In Katsina, solar energy and housing have been combined as instruments of peace in a region under climate and security stress. The REA has shown that the energy transition is not an abstract policy document. It is happening. Community by community, kilowatt by kilowatt, life by life. Dr. Abba Aliyu, your Agency, your team, and your developers deserve the gratitude of the nation. On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government, I commend you wholeheartedly.” the Minister stated.

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended the initiative, noting its alignment with the State’s infrastructure and economic development priorities. “This project is a strong example of how collaboration between the Federal Government and private sector can transform rural communities. Lagos State remains committed to supporting initiatives that expand energy access and drive inclusive growth,” the Governor said.

The Managing Director/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to accelerating rural electrification through innovative financing and partnerships. “This commissioning underscores the effectiveness of the REF-IMAS framework in unlocking private sector participation to deliver sustainable energy access. At REA, we remain committed to closing Nigeria’s energy gap through scalable and impact-driven interventions,” he said.

The Head of NESP-GIZ, Mr Duke Benjamin, highlighted the importance of sustained international collaboration in advancing Nigeria’s energy transition. “This project demonstrates the power of strong partnerships in delivering climate-smart and inclusive energy solutions. GIZ is proud to support Nigeria in scaling decentralized renewable energy systems that improve livelihoods and drive sustainable development,” the Head stated.

The project developer, A4&T Power Solutions Limited, described the commissioning as a major achievement in indigenous clean energy delivery. “We are honoured to have delivered this landmark project. It demonstrates the capacity of Nigerian developers to design and implement world-class energy solutions that directly serve communities,” the company stated.

The Managing Director/CEO of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) highlighted the importance of collaboration between DISCOs and renewable energy developers. “This project demonstrates the value of collaboration between DISCOs and renewable energy developers in strengthening distribution networks and improving service reliability. EKEDC remains committed to supporting innovative solutions that expand access and enhance customer experience within our network,” he said.

The Chairman of Eredo LCDA, described the project as transformative for local development. “This intervention will significantly improve economic activity, empower small businesses, and enhance the quality of life of our people. We commend REA and all partners for bringing this project to our communities,” he stated.

The Agency notes that this project forms part of its broader national electrification programme portfolio, including the Rural Electrification Fund (REF), Capital Projects, Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), Energizing Education Programme (EEP), Energizing Economies Initiative (EEI), and the DARES Programme, all aimed at achieving universal energy access.

Furthermore, the REF-IMAS model continues to serve as a catalytic platform for scaling private sector-led mini-grid deployment across Nigeria.

The commissioning reinforces the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding infrastructure, driving inclusive economic growth, and accelerating Nigeria’s clean energy transition under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

About the Rural Electrification Agency (REA)

The Rural Electrification Agency is the implementing agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria under the Federal Ministry of Power, mandated to provide electricity access to unserved and underserved communities across the country.

About GIZ

GIZ supports sustainable development through international cooperation in energy transition, economic development, and capacity building.

About A4&T Power Solutions Limited

A4&T Power Solutions Limited is a Nigerian renewable energy developer delivering innovative and sustainable power solutions across off-grid and embedded energy markets.

About Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC)

Eko Electricity Distribution Company is a leading power distribution company in Nigeria committed to delivering safe, reliable and efficient electricity supply across its network area.