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), bringing reliable, sustainable and affordable electricity to five communities in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The beneficiary communities are Odogbawojo, Odoshiwola, Odoayan, Ora and Ibowon.
The project was implemented by the REA and co-financed by the European Union, the German Government and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) through the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP). The project was delivered by A4&T Power Solutions Limited in partnership with Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC).
The commissioning marks another significant milestone in Nigeria’s drive to expand decentralised clean energy access and improve electricity supply in underserved communities.
ALSO READ:
- REA Commissions 505kWp Interconnected solar mini-grid to power five communities in Epe
- Lagos constitutes State Independent System Operator Board, Management Team
- Oil prices drop over 3.5% as US authorizes license for Iranian oil production
- All On invests $1m in Eja-Ice Nigeria to strengthen Cold-Chain infrastructure Off-Grid markets
- TotalEnergies, NNPC Renew AUSEA Technology cooperation on Methane reduction
The 505kWp interconnected solar mini-grid is designed to serve households, small businesses, public institutions and productive users across the five communities. It is expected to stimulate local economic activities, support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, improve social services and enhance the overall quality of life of residents.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Minister of Power, Mr. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, described the REA’s achievements as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding energy access under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“REA’s footprints traverse the entire country. The scale of what the Agency is doing today is extraordinary. Over one thousand mini-grids are currently under active development across Nigeria,” the Minister said.
“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 some of 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 facing climate and security challenges.
“The REA has shown that the energy transition is not an abstract policy document. It is happening community by community, kilowatt by kilowatt, and 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,” Tegbe stated.
The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended the initiative, noting that it aligns with the State’s infrastructure development and inclusive economic growth priorities.
“This project is a strong example of how collaboration between the Federal Government, development partners and the private sector can transform rural communities. Lagos State remains committed to supporting initiatives that expand energy access, stimulate enterprise and drive inclusive growth,” the Governor said.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the REA, Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to accelerating rural electrification through innovative financing mechanisms, strategic partnerships and private-sector participation.
“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, innovative and impact-driven interventions,” Aliyu 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 decentralised renewable energy systems that improve livelihoods, strengthen local economies and drive sustainable development,” he said.
The project developer, A4&T Power Solutions Limited, described the commissioning as a major achievement for indigenous clean-energy delivery in Nigeria.
“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 and support sustainable development,” the company stated.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of IKEDC also highlighted the importance of collaboration between electricity distribution companies and renewable-energy developers in improving electricity access and service reliability.
“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 Local Council Development Area (LCDA) described the project as transformative for local development, noting that it would support businesses, create opportunities and improve living conditions for residents.
“This intervention will significantly improve economic activity, empower small businesses and enhance the quality of life of our people. We commend the REA and all partners for bringing this project to our communities,” he stated.
The REA noted that the project forms part of its broader national electrification portfolio, which includes the Rural Electrification Fund, Capital Projects, the Nigeria Electrification Project, the Energising Education Programme, the Energising Economies Initiative and the DARES Programme.
The Agency added that the REF-IMAS model continues to serve as a catalytic platform for scaling private sector-led mini-grid deployment across Nigeria.
The commissioning of the 505kWp interconnected solar mini-grid reinforces the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding infrastructure, promoting inclusive economic growth and accelerating Nigeria’s clean-energy transition under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
