The Rural Electrification Agency (REA), in partnership with the Federal Government and state governments, has begun the construction of 42 renewable energy projects across Adamawa and Kebbi states as part of efforts to expand electricity access, stimulate economic activity and improve power supply in underserved communities.
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 in Kebbi. In Adamawa, the initiative comprises three interconnected mini-grids and 36 isolated mini-grids, with a combined capacity of nearly 27 megawatts.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, said the Adamawa projects would provide electricity to about 40,000 households and businesses, benefiting over 6,000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, including welders, tailors, grain millers, agro-processors and ICT businesses. More than 100 public institutions, including schools, healthcare centres and water facilities, are also expected to be connected.
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, described the projects as a major step towards tackling energy poverty and driving economic growth. He said the state had fulfilled commitments made during investment discussions with the REA in 2025 by providing land and other incentives to support implementation.
REA Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, said the projects form part of the agency’s broader strategy to deepen access to electricity through renewable energy. According to him, the success of the initiative would be measured not only by megawatts generated but also by the businesses created, jobs supported, improved healthcare services and enhanced educational opportunities made possible through reliable electricity.
In Kebbi State, Governor Nasir Idris flagged off the construction of a 3.5MW solar power project alongside a 33kV power infrastructure project in Ambursa. The solar facility, which will include battery storage to provide electricity after sunset, is expected to improve power reliability across the state and support key facilities, including the Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi.
Aliyu disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved a $750 million facility for the REA to implement interconnected mini-grid projects nationwide, with about $10 million allocated to the Kebbi project. The project is expected to serve more than 1,000 households and strategic infrastructure, while the contractor, Kobeissi Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Ltd., pledged to complete the work within eight months.
