The Federal Government has unveiled a 505-kilowatt interconnected solar mini-grid in Epe, Lagos State, and flagged off plans for an additional five-megawatt renewable energy expansion to improve electricity access and boost economic activities in the area.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday, the Minister of Power, Mr Joseph Tegbe, said the initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to deploying decentralised renewable energy solutions that improve livelihoods, create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Mr Tegbe commended the Rural Electrification Agency and its Managing Director, Mr Abba Aliyu, for driving rural electrification and renewable energy projects across Nigeria.
According to him, the agency has evolved from an institution with ambitious goals into one delivering measurable impact across communities nationwide.
The project, located in the Majoda communities of Eredo, Epe Local Government Area, covers Odogbawojo, Odoshiwola, Odoayan, Ora and Ibowon communities and is expected to provide stable electricity to more than 8,000 residents.
Renewable energy drive
Mr Tegbe disclosed that more than 1,000 mini-grid projects are currently under development across the country.
He added that under the World Bank-supported DARES initiative, solar home systems have already expanded electricity access to over 3.9 million Nigerians.
He said similar projects in states including Niger, Sokoto and Katsina demonstrate that Nigeria’s energy transition is gradually taking shape at community level.
The minister also acknowledged support from the European Union, the Government of Germany and the Nigerian Energy Support Programme for the successful delivery of the Epe project.
According to him, the mini-grid will go beyond powering homes by creating economic opportunities, supporting businesses, improving education and healthcare services and generating employment.
“This is not merely about energising communities. It is about transforming lives and unlocking economic opportunities,” Mr Tegbe stated.
Expansion plans
Earlier, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Mr Abba Aliyu, described the project as a milestone in delivering reliable electricity and unlocking economic opportunities in underserved areas.
Mr Aliyu explained that the project was delivered under the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme supported by the European Union and the Government of Germany.
He revealed that the commissioned facility represents only the first phase of the agency’s broader renewable energy strategy for Epe.
According to him, REA is already working toward deploying an additional 5MW renewable energy capacity across Epe and surrounding economic clusters.
Mr Aliyu said the expansion is expected to support industrial activities, agro-processing, cold-chain infrastructure, commercial centres, educational institutions and digital enterprises.
He added that mini-grid projects under the IMAS programme have helped reduce reliance on diesel generators, lower energy costs and stimulate economic growth in beneficiary communities.
Mr Aliyu noted that the Epe project demonstrates the importance of collaboration among government agencies, development partners, private investors, electricity distribution companies and host communities in achieving universal energy access nationwide.
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