By Ayomide Otitoju
The Federal Government has flagged off the construction of three interconnected mini-grid projects in the Kofare, Saminaka and Mbamba communities of Adamawa State, with a combined generation capacity of 13.5 megawatts, as part of efforts to expand electricity access to underserved communities.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, described the projects as a significant step toward achieving universal electricity access, energy security and a cleaner energy future under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Tegbe said the mini-grids are an integral part of Nigeria’s electricity architecture, complementing the national grid through a diversified energy system that combines grid infrastructure, renewable energy, mini-grids and energy storage.
He said the projects are being implemented under the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) Programme, which aims to mobilise public and private investment to provide reliable electricity to millions of Nigerians.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar Aliyu, said the initiative forms part of a broader rollout of 39 mini-grid projects across Adamawa State, comprising three interconnected and 36 isolated systems with a combined capacity of nearly 27MW.
According to him, the projects are expected to provide electricity to about 40,000 households, 6,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and more than 100 public institutions.
Aliyu commended the Minister for his support for renewable energy development and his commitment to integrating mini-grids into Nigeria’s broader electricity network.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri welcomed the initiative, describing it as a product of collaboration between the Federal Government and Adamawa State following the Rural Electrification Agency’s State-by-State Roundtable held last year.
The governor said the projects demonstrate the state’s readiness to attract investments in the power sector and expand access to reliable electricity.
During the ceremony, Tegbe commended the Adamawa State Government for providing 30 hectares of land for the projects and acknowledged the contributions of the REA, development partners, distribution companies, financiers and host communities.
He urged residents to protect the infrastructure from vandalism, stressing that the facilities would play a vital role in improving livelihoods, supporting businesses and enhancing educational opportunities in the beneficiary communities.
The projects are expected to boost economic activities and accelerate the Federal Government’s drive to deliver sustainable and reliable electricity to underserved areas across the country.
