ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Federal Government has commissioned a 505-kilowatt interconnected solar mini-grid in Epe, Lagos State, and launched plans for an additional five-megawatt mini-grid project to boost electricity access and drive economic growth in the area.
Located in the Majoda communities of Eredo, Epe Local Government Area, the project serves Odogbawojo, Odoshiwola, Odoayan, Ora and Ibowon, and is expected to provide reliable electricity to over 8,000 residents.
Speaking during the inauguration on Wednesday, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, said the initiative demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to deploying decentralised renewable energy solutions that improve livelihoods, create employment opportunities and promote economic development.
Tegbe praised the Rural Electrification Agency and its Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, for advancing rural electrification and renewable energy projects nationwide.
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The minister described the agency’s progress as remarkable, noting that it had transformed from an institution with “admirable mandates but modest delivery” into one making measurable impacts across the country.
“I think you should commend him, who has undergone a remarkable transformation from a body of admirable mandates but modest delivery into an institution that is genuinely, visibly, and measurably changing the lives of Nigerians.
“REA’s footprint traverses the entire country. The scale of what REA is doing today is extraordinary,” he stated.
According to Tegbe, more than 1,000 mini-grids are currently being developed across Nigeria, while solar home systems deployed under various programmes have expanded electricity access to millions of citizens.
“Over 1,000 mini-grids are currently under active development across the country. Under the World Bank-supported DARES initiative, IMAS solar home systems have now reached more than 3.9 million Nigerians,” he said.
He also highlighted similar renewable energy initiatives in Niger, Sokoto and Katsina states, noting that they demonstrate that the country’s energy transition is already underway.
“So, REA, you’ve shown that energy transition is not an abstract policy. It’s happening community by community, kilowatt by kilowatt, life by life,” Tegbe added.
The minister further acknowledged the support of the European Union, the Government of Germany and the Nigerian Energy Support Programme in delivering the project.
According to him, the Epe mini-grid will go beyond providing electricity by unlocking economic opportunities, supporting local businesses and improving social services.
“Today’s commissioning is not merely about energising the community. This is transforming lives. It’s unlocking economic opportunities. It’s supporting local businesses and also improving education and health care services, in addition to creating jobs,” he said.
Tegbe explained that the project is more than a rural electrification initiative, describing it as a fully integrated energy system that combines power generation, storage and end-user distribution.
“What we’ve done here is not just electricity. We have a solar mini-grid generating power, battery storage systems, transmission lines, and we are connecting households directly with meters. It is taking power from generation to the end-user,” he said.
He assured investors and development partners that the Federal Government would continue to support renewable energy investments and decentralised electricity infrastructure.
“The Federal Government remains committed to creating an enabling environment that encourages investment in decentralised renewable energy solutions. We’ll continue to work closely with development partners, investors, state governments, communities, and the private sector to scale up successful models such as this mini-grid across the country,” he stated.
Earlier, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, described the project as a major milestone in efforts to provide reliable electricity and stimulate economic activities in underserved communities.
Aliyu said the 504kW Epe Interconnected Mini-Grid was delivered under the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme, supported by the European Union and the Government of Germany.
“Today, we are not simply commissioning a power project. We are commissioning economic opportunity, industrial productivity, enterprise growth, and a sustainable future for the people of Epe,” he said.
He noted that the project would provide dependable electricity to homes, businesses, commercial enterprises and critical community facilities while reducing reliance on self-generated power.
Aliyu disclosed that the newly commissioned mini-grid represents the first phase of a broader electrification plan for Epe, revealing that the agency is already working to deploy an additional 5MW of renewable energy capacity in the area.
“Recognising the tremendous economic potential of this community and the increasing demand for reliable electricity, the Rural Electrification Agency is already working towards the deployment of an additional 5MW of renewable energy capacity within Epe and its surrounding economic clusters,” he said.
According to him, the planned expansion will support industrial operations, agro-processing centres, cold-chain facilities, commercial hubs, digital enterprises, educational institutions and other productive sectors.
Aliyu added that projects implemented under the IMAS programme have improved electricity reliability, reduced dependence on diesel generators, lowered energy costs and stimulated economic activities in beneficiary communities nationwide.
“The impact has been tangible: increased business revenues, job creation, enhanced security, improved educational outcomes, and stronger investor confidence within beneficiary communities,” Aliyu stated.
He emphasised that the Epe project highlights the value of collaboration among government agencies, development partners, private investors, financial institutions, electricity distribution companies and host communities in achieving universal access to electricity.
“The Epe mini-grid is therefore a shining example of the power of collaboration,” Aliyu said.
He added that the project aligns with Nigeria’s broader electrification objectives and efforts to expand access to sustainable and productive energy across the country.