RURAL ELECTRIFICATION FUND
PRESS RELEASE
KARE-DADIN KOWA, NOW PART OF A GROWING SOLAR COMMUNITY IN NIGERIA UNDER THE RURAL ELECTRIFICATION FUND
Kebbi, Nigeria – The Federal Government of Nigeria, through its Implementing Agency – Rural Electrification Agency (REA) commissioned a 98.8KW solar hybrid mini grid power plant at Kare-Dadin Kowa, Kebbi State, under its Rural Electrification Fund (REF), as part of its commitment to provide equitable access to electricity across regions in Nigeria. The Fund strives to maximize the economic, social and environmental benefits of rural electrification grants, to promote off-grid electrification, and to stimulate innovative approaches to rural electrification.
Speaking at the official commissioning which held on September 17th, 2019, the Governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, stated that “the solar hybrid mini-grid will expand and transform the economic landscape of Kebbi state. Small businesses like welders, cold rooms, as well as processing mills can now operate more effectively with reliable and clean electricity as a result of this project.”
The solar hybrid mini grid system will provide clean energy to 483 residential buildings, 82 commercial buildings and will serve over 3,000 inhabitants of Kare-Dadin Kowa. A total of 565 high grid solar panels have been installed to power homes, businesses, places of worship, schools, health centers etc.
Speaking on the project’s implementation, the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) Executive Director, Dr. Sanusi Ohiare, mentioned that “Kare-Dadin Kowa community is the second of twelve communities earmarked to benefit from REF grants. This is due to following and attaining legal, regulatory and procurement compliance and no objection from the Federal Government.”
As a result of collaboration between the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the House Committee on Power, the National Assembly, the Federal Executive Council, and many more government partners, the Federal Government proactively worked to facilitate this intervention fund.
In line with REF’s Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, private sector participation and investment was also critical to the successful implementation of the project. MD/CEO, Nayo Tropical Technology Limited, Anayo Okenwa shared that “the installed solar hybrid mini grid was constructed in line with international standards and best practice. As an indigenous firm, we are proud to have leveraged the skills and capacity of our host community, in addition to providing the enabling environment for skilled labour and job creation.”
ABOUT REA
The Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is the Implementing Agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) tasked with electrification of unserved and underserved communities. The Rural Electrification Fund (REF) provides equitable access to electricity across Nigeria to maximize the economic, social and environmental benefits of rural electrification grants, to promote off-grid electrification, and to stimulate innovative approaches to rural electrification. REF projects are administered using a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
The first call of the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) will energize 12 communities and deploy 19,000 Solar Home Systems (SHS).
ABOUT KARE-DADIN KOWA
Kare-Dadin Kowa is a small riverine community in Argungun local government area of Kebbi State. With a total population of about 3,180 people, agriculture and fishing are key economic activities within this community.
Media Enquiries
Ayang Ogbe
Director of Promotions (Information and Outreach)
+2348092292277 | ogbe.ayang@rea.gov.ng
@realREANigeria |@REANigeria
info@rea.gov.ng
www.rea.gov.ng
