By Abiodun Folarin
WorldStage– The Rural Electrification Agency ( REC), has commenced the construction of 42 renewable energy projects across Adamawa State and Kebbi State, marking a major push by the Federal Government to expand electricity access, stimulate rural economic growth and reduce energy poverty through clean energy solutions.
The projects include 39 mini-grids in Adamawa under the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) Programme and a 3.5-megawatt solar power plant with supporting 33kV power infrastructure in Kebbi.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Adamawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, described the initiative as a significant milestone in the government’s drive to achieve universal electricity access under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to the minister, the 39 mini-grid projects will deliver nearly 27 megawatts of clean electricity to communities across the state, making it one of Nigeria’s largest decentralised renewable energy programmes implemented within a single state.
The interconnected mini-grids will be located in Kofare, Saminaka and Mbamba, while 36 isolated mini-grids will serve communities including Gulak, Michika, Shuwa, Bazza, Belel, Ganye, Song, Hong, Mubi and Guyuk.
Tegbe said the projects are expected to provide reliable electricity to about 40,000 households and businesses, while powering nearly 6,000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, including welders, tailors, grain millers, cold-room operators, ICT firms and agro-processors.
He added that more than 100 public institutions, including schools, healthcare facilities and water schemes, would also benefit.
“Behind every connection is more than a meter. It is a family whose quality of life will improve, a child whose education will be enhanced, an entrepreneur whose business will expand, and a community whose future will become brighter,” he said.
The minister noted that the mini-grids are designed to complement the national grid in underserved communities while attracting greater private sector investment into Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, described the projects as a turning point in the state’s effort to tackle energy poverty and unlock economic opportunities.
According to him, the initiative is the outcome of discussions that began in 2025 when the state presented Adamawa as an investment destination for renewable energy developers by offering incentives such as free land, concessional financing and credit guarantees.
He said the projects would improve electricity access, strengthen businesses and support long-term economic growth across the state.
Also speaking, REA Managing Director Abba Abubakar Aliyu said the projects demonstrate the agency’s commitment to ensuring that underserved communities benefit from Nigeria’s energy transition.
He said the success of the programme would ultimately be measured by the businesses created, jobs generated, improved healthcare and education services, and enhanced livelihoods resulting from reliable electricity supply.
Meanwhile, in Kebbi State, Governor Nasir Idris flagged off the construction of a 3.5MW solar power plant and a 33kV power infrastructure project in Ambursa.
The governor said the project would significantly improve electricity supply across the state, noting that the solar facility would be supported by battery storage systems capable of supplying electricity after sunset.
He disclosed that the state government provided the project site free of charge and urged residents to protect the infrastructure upon completion.
At the ceremony, REA Managing Director Aliyu revealed that President Tinubu had approved a $750 million facility to support interconnected mini-grid projects nationwide.
He said about $10 million would be invested in the Kebbi project, which is expected to provide electricity to more than 1,000 households and strategic facilities, including Ahmadu Bello International Airport.
According to him, the investment will strengthen power reliability, support businesses and accelerate socio-economic development in the state.
The Chief Executive Officer of Kobeissi Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Ltd., Ali Kobeissi, assured stakeholders that the project would be completed within eight months.
The Adamawa and Kebbi projects form part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to expand rural electrification through renewable energy, encourage private sector investment and improve access to clean, affordable electricity for underserved communities across Nigeria.
