The Federal Government has commenced the construction of two major renewable energy projects in Adamawa and Kebbi states as part of efforts to expand electricity access and deliver sustainable power to nearly 50,000 households, businesses and public institutions.
The projects, being implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), include 39 mini-grid installations across Adamawa State and a 3.5-megawatt solar power project in Kebbi State under the Federal Government’s rural electrification initiative.
In Adamawa, construction has officially begun on 39 mini-grid projects comprising three interconnected mini-grids and 36 isolated mini-grids under the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) Programme.
The interconnected mini-grids will be located in Kofare, Saminaka and Mbamba, with installed capacities of 10 megawatts, 2.6 megawatts and 890 kilowatts respectively.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, described the initiative as a significant step towards achieving universal electricity access under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the projects will generate nearly 27 megawatts of clean and reliable electricity, making it one of the largest decentralised renewable energy programmes executed within a single state.
Tegbe said the initiative is expected to provide electricity to about 40,000 households and businesses across several communities, including Kofare, Saminaka, Mbamba, Gulak, Michika, Shuwa, Bazza, Belel, Ganye, Song, Hong, Mubi and Guyuk.
He added that the programme would also support about 6,000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises such as welding workshops, tailoring businesses, grain mills, cold-room facilities, ICT centres and agro-processing businesses, helping to increase productivity, create jobs and reduce dependence on petrol and diesel generators.
More than 100 public facilities, including schools, healthcare centres and water supply systems, are also expected to benefit from the improved electricity supply.
The minister noted that the mini-grids are designed to complement the national grid, especially in communities with limited or no access to electricity, while encouraging greater private sector investment in Nigeria’s renewable energy industry.
He commended the Adamawa State Government for supporting the project through land provision and implementation assistance, while urging residents to safeguard the infrastructure from vandalism.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri described the project as a major milestone in the state’s drive to tackle energy poverty and promote sustainable development through renewable energy.
He recalled that discussions leading to the investment began in 2025, when the state presented Adamawa as an attractive destination for renewable energy investment by offering incentives such as concessional financing, credit guarantees and free land.
Fintiri expressed confidence that the project would improve economic activities, expand access to electricity and position the state as a leader in distributed renewable energy development.
The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, said the project demonstrates the agency’s commitment to ensuring that underserved communities benefit from Nigeria’s energy transition.
He stated that the long-term success of the initiative would be measured not only by electricity generation but also by its impact on businesses, employment, agriculture, education, healthcare and overall quality of life.
Meanwhile, in Kebbi State, Governor Nasir Idris launched the construction of a 3.5-megawatt solar power plant alongside the Lot 7 Design, Supply and Installation of a 33kV Power Infrastructure Project in Ambursa.
The governor said the project would strengthen electricity supply across the state, stimulate economic growth and provide reliable power through battery storage systems capable of supplying electricity beyond daylight hours.
He also disclosed that the state government provided land for the project at no cost and called on the contractor and host communities to work together to ensure timely completion and long-term protection of the facility.
Speaking at the event, REA Managing Director, Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, revealed that President Bola Tinubu had approved a $750 million funding facility to support interconnected mini-grid projects across the country.
He said approximately $10 million would be invested in the Kebbi project, which is expected to provide electricity to more than 1,000 households and key public facilities, including the Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Kobeissi Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Ltd., Ali Kobeissi, assured that construction would be completed within eight months while seeking the continued support of host communities.
The Adamawa and Kebbi projects form part of the Federal Government’s wider strategy to reduce energy poverty, encourage private sector investment, expand rural electrification and increase access to affordable, clean and sustainable energy across Nigeria.
