Over 20,000 communities still lack access to electricity – REA

• Published On: 19 February 2025 at 06:19

The Rural Electrification Agency has launched a 550kWp solar hybrid mini-grid in Bakin Ciyawa and Kwande communities of Qua'an Pan LGA, Plateau State, to power 3,500 households, adding that

Meanwhile, the agency revealed that at least 20,000 communities nationwide still do not have access to electricity.

Abba Aliyu, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, announced this during a ceremony on Monday.

Aliyu stated that the projects, developed under the Interconnected Mini-Grid Accelerated Scheme, are part of a €11 million grant from the European Union and the German government to electrify rural areas.

Aliyu, represented by REA Executive Director Doris Ugoh, stated, "The Bakin Ciyawa and Kwande communities will benefit greatly from the completion of this 550kWp interconnected mini-grid. Bakin Ciyawa now has a 390kWp system, while Kwande has a 160kWp one.

"Together, these systems will provide clean and sustainable electricity to over 3,500 households and numerous micro, small, and medium-sized businesses.

"They gave us a total package of over 11 million euros, which was divided based on the capacity needs of each community. The EU and the German government donated more than 60% of the funds for this project.

He went on to say, "One of the most significant advantages of these solar mini-grids is their environmental impact. By replacing traditional fossil fuel-based energy sources like diesel generators and kerosene, these mini-grids significantly reduce carbon emissions.

"The 550kWp system installed in Bakin Ciyawa and Kwande will reduce CO2 emissions by an estimated 600 tonnes per year. This reduction in carbon emissions is equivalent to taking 130 cars off the road or planting 15,000 trees per year. These reductions are critical for Nigeria's climate change mitigation and transition to a greener future.

He emphasised that, while some communities are struggling to upgrade to the project's scale, 10,000 communities have been identified, while over 20,000 remain unelectrified nationwide.

Aliyu pointed out that protecting the project would encourage the agency to expand the solar initiative to nearby communities.

The REA's CEO stated that by replacing traditional fossil fuel-based energy sources such as diesel generators and kerosene, mini-grids are playing an important role in significantly lowering carbon emissions.

Also speaking, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang recalled that the Plateau State Government and REA signed a Memorandum of Understanding last year to bring electricity to Plateau State's rural communities.

Mutfwang, represented by the Commissioner for Tourism, Mr Cornelius Doeyok, thanked the agency for working with the state to bring electricity to rural communities.

He also stated that "a N1.2 billion counterpart funding was paid to enable our primary health clinics to be lit through projects like this."

"He is doing this to help rural communities understand preventive medicine. Because most of our medicines spoil due to a lack of storage facilities."

Meanwhile, Dr Karin Jansin, the German Ambassador, described the project as critical to both her country and Plateau State, stating that it would benefit over 20,000 people.

She added that the project would help to create jobs, particularly in agriculture, industries, and other sectors.