Rural Electrification Agency rolls out 48 mini‑grid projects to power 1.25 million Nigerians

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has commenced the rollout of 48 interconnected mini‑grid sites across Nigeria under the World Bank‑funded Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale‑up (DARES) programme and the African Development Bank‑supported Nigeria Electrification Programme (NEP). The projects are expected to deliver more than 250,000 electricity connections, benefiting roughly 1.25 million people. Groundbreaking took place for an 11.9 MW peak solar mini‑grid in Ogu‑Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, with similar ceremonies already held in Kogi, Kebbi and Adamawa states.

The initiative aims to improve grid reliability by injecting clean, renewable power into existing distribution networks, enhancing stability and service quality for households, businesses and public institutions. State and federal officials highlighted the projects’ potential to stimulate local economies, create jobs and support health and education services while advancing Nigeria’s broader clean‑energy transition.