The Federal Government has commissioned a 505-kilowatt peak (kWp) interconnected solar mini-grid in Epe, Lagos State, and has also flagged off the development of an additional five-megawatt (MW) renewable energy project to expand electricity access and boost economic activities in underserved communities.
The newly inaugurated project, located in the Mojoda communities of Eredo in Epe Local Government Area, will provide reliable electricity to more than 8,000 residents across Odogbawojo, Odoshiwola, Odoayan, Ora and Ibowon. The mini-grid is expected to power homes, schools, healthcare facilities, small businesses and other productive users, improving livelihoods and stimulating local economic growth.
The project was implemented under the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS) by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). It was developed by A4&T Power Solutions Limited in partnership with Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) 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).
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, described the project as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to deploying decentralised renewable energy solutions under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, expanding access to clean and reliable electricity is essential for improving living standards, creating jobs and unlocking economic opportunities in rural and underserved communities.
Tegbe also commended the Rural Electrification Agency for what he described as its remarkable transformation into one of Nigeria’s most impactful public institutions, noting that the agency now has over 1,000 mini-grid projects under active development nationwide.
He added that nearly 3.9 million Nigerians have already gained access to electricity through solar home systems deployed under the World Bank-supported Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) programme.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented at the event, praised the initiative, describing it as a strong example of how collaboration between the Federal Government, development partners and the private sector can accelerate development in rural communities and drive inclusive economic growth.
REA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Abba Aliyu, said the commissioning demonstrates the effectiveness of the REF-IMAS framework in attracting private-sector investment into Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.
He stressed that the agency remains committed to closing the country’s electricity access gap through scalable and sustainable energy solutions.
The Federal Government said the planned 5MW expansion project will further strengthen electricity supply in the Epe axis, supporting industries, commercial activities and critical infrastructure while advancing Nigeria’s transition to cleaner and more reliable energy sources.
