By Taiwo Scholarstica
The Federal Government has announced the completion of 23 solar mini-grid projects that are now providing electricity to about 50,000 Nigerians, describing the initiative as a major step towards expanding energy access, boosting rural economies and strengthening Nigeria’s electricity sector.
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during the launch of the pilot phase of the Africa Mini-Grids Programme National Project, themed “Powering Agricultural Value Chains and Stimulating State Energy Markets.”
The event, organised by the Rural Electrification Agency in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and the Global Environment Facility, also marked the commissioning of the 23 solar mini-grid projects across rural communities.
According to Tegbe, the projects are supplying electricity to about 50,000 people and more than 20,000 households while supporting businesses, schools, healthcare facilities and agricultural processing centres.
He described the initiative as proof that collaboration between government, development partners and local communities can deliver sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s electricity challenges.
“Today’s event transcends commissioning infrastructure. We are talking about transforming communities and improving the lives of thousands of Nigerians,” the minister said.
Tegbe noted that many rural communities have embraced the projects by taking ownership of the facilities, adding that residents now understand the economic and social value reliable electricity brings.
He stressed that renewable energy should no longer be seen as an alternative source of electricity but as an integral part of Nigeria’s power generation mix.
According to him, solar, hydro and wind energy are legitimate sources of electricity that will play a critical role in achieving universal energy access. He also revealed that Nigeria now has a 200-megawatt solar farm contributing to the national electricity supply.
The minister said the government was deploying mini-grids to serve communities beyond the reach of the national grid, providing electricity to households, businesses, schools and healthcare facilities.
He assured Nigerians that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remained committed to addressing the country’s longstanding power challenges through investments in both grid and off-grid infrastructure.
Tegbe also urged development partners to fast-track the second phase of the Africa Mini-Grids Programme, which is expected to deliver an additional 50 mini-grids, saying the success of the first phase had demonstrated the transformative impact of decentralised renewable energy.
Earlier, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, said electricity had become the foundation of modern economies, powering healthcare, education, agriculture, artificial intelligence and industrialisation.
He explained that the mini-grid programme was designed to connect electricity directly to agricultural production and processing, helping communities unlock economic opportunities.
Aliyu cited the example of Namu community in Plateau State, where a solar mini-grid reduced production costs for local rice processors by more than 50 per cent after they switched from diesel-powered generators.
He disclosed that all 23 projects were completed within one year, with 73 per cent substantially delivered just three months after award letters were issued.
Also speaking, the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, described energy as economic infrastructure that drives productivity, investment and job creation.
She said the pilot projects had demonstrated how reliable electricity could support farmers, agro-processors and small businesses, adding that the next phase of the programme would further connect renewable energy to agriculture, healthcare, education and digital services across Nigeria and other African countries.