Government launches small-scale power project, eyes further 5MW capacity boost

The Federal Government has launched a 505-kilowatt interconnected solar mini-grid in Epe, Lagos State, and initiated the development of an additional five-megawatt mini-grid project to boost electricity access and stimulate economic growth in the area.

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This project, situated in the Majoda communities of Eredo, Epe Local Government Area, will provide stable electricity to over 8,000 residents in Odogbawojo, Odoshiwola, Odoayan, Ora, and Ibowon.

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Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe stated that the project demonstrates the Federal Government's commitment to deploying decentralised renewable energy solutions to improve livelihoods, create jobs, and support economic development during a ceremony on Wednesday.

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Tegbe commended the Rural Electrification Agency and its Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, for driving rural electrification and renewable energy deployment across the country, describing the transformation of the REA as remarkable.

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The minister noted that the agency has evolved from an institution with admirable mandates but modest delivery into one making visible impacts on communities nationwide, with its footprint traversing the entire country and the scale of its activities being extraordinary.

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According to Tegbe, more than 1,000 mini-grids are currently under active development across Nigeria, and solar home systems deployed under various programmes have expanded electricity access to millions of Nigerians, with over 3.9 million people benefiting from the World Bank-supported DARES initiative.

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The minister highlighted similar renewable energy projects being implemented in Niger, Sokoto, and Katsina states, demonstrating that energy transition is already taking place across communities in Nigeria, with the initiatives showing that the transition is not an abstract policy but a reality.

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Tegbe expressed appreciation to the European Union, the Government of Germany, and the Nigerian Energy Support Programme for supporting the project, stating that the Epe mini-grid would unlock economic opportunities, support local businesses, and improve education and healthcare services, in addition to providing electricity to households.

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The minister explained that the Epe project is a fully integrated energy system linking generation, storage, and end-user delivery, with a solar mini-grid generating power, battery storage systems, transmission lines, and households connected directly with meters.

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Tegbe assured investors and development partners that the Federal Government would continue to support renewable energy projects and decentralised power infrastructure across the country, creating an enabling environment for investment in decentralised renewable energy solutions.

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Earlier, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Aliyu, described the project as a milestone in efforts to deliver reliable electricity and unlock economic opportunities in underserved communities, with the 504kW Epe Interconnected mini-grid being delivered under the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme.

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Aliyu stated that the project will provide reliable electricity to homes, businesses, commercial enterprises, and critical community institutions, reducing dependence on self-generation and commissioning economic opportunity, industrial productivity, enterprise growth, and a sustainable future for the people of Epe.

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The REA boss revealed that the newly commissioned mini-grid represents only the first phase of the agency's long-term plans for Epe, with plans to deploy an additional 5MW of renewable energy capacity in the area to support industrial activities, agro-processing facilities, and other productive-use applications.

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According to Aliyu, projects delivered under the IMAS programme have improved electricity reliability, reduced dependence on diesel generators, lowered energy costs, and stimulated economic growth in beneficiary communities across the country, with tangible impacts including increased business revenues, job creation, and enhanced security.

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Aliyu noted that the Epe project demonstrates the importance of collaboration among government, development partners, private investors, financial institutions, electricity distribution companies, and host communities in achieving universal energy access, with the project aligning with Nigeria's broader electrification agenda.