FG commissions 990kW mini-grid in Niger community

Daniel Adaji, Abuja

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding energy access in rural communities with the commissioning of a 990kW solar hybrid mini-grid in Lambata, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.

The project, expected to benefit about 3,900 households, was officially inaugurated on Wednesday by the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.

In a statement on Thursday, Adelabu emphasised the administration’s determination to provide electricity to all Nigerians, especially those in underserved areas.

“President Tinubu’s administration recognizes that energy is the bedrock of economic growth and social progress. His leadership has emphasized the need for strategic investments in sustainable energy infrastructure, particularly in underserved rural communities,” he said.

The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s role in the global energy transition, referencing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s participation in international energy summits.

“This commitment resonates strongly with the discussions at the recent Africa Energy Summit in Tanzania, specifically during the M3OO initiative. In Tanzania, we committed to drive transformative change in the energy sector across the continent,” he noted.

He expressed appreciation to the German Government, the European Union, and the GIZ for their support in making the project a reality.

“Furthermore, this project underscores the importance of international cooperation and knowledge exchange with the government of Nigeria and its development partners. The Ministry of Power and its agencies remain committed to working with the EU, the German Government, and other development partners to further advance progressive strides in the sector,” he said.

Adelabu assured development partners of a more structured and efficient implementation of projects. “I have a word of encouragement for you here today, particularly all our stakeholders here. I assure all our development partners, especially the EU, the German Government, and the GIZ, that we are initiating and institutionalizing a framework to ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of all funded projects to ensure that the desired outcomes are achieved and devoted resources are effectively utilized,” he stated.

The Minister called on the Rural Electrification Agency to replicate the project across the country, stressing the need for widespread electrification.

“Let us replicate the feat we have achieved here in all our rural communities. Every rural community deserves this. The opportunity is huge, and all eyes are on us as a nation,” he urged.

Adelabu commended Niger State for hosting the majority of Nigeria’s hydropower plants, describing it as the “power state.”

“Niger State is what I call the power state. They are host to 95 percent of our hydro power plants. These include Jebba, Kainji, Shiroro, and the new Zungeru power plant,” he said.

He also charged the Lambata community to safeguard the infrastructure.

“I want to reiterate President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape. We are building a nation where every citizen has access to clean, affordable, and reliable energy. This mini-grid in Lamabata is a shining example of what we can achieve when we work together,” he said.