New Solar Mini-Grid to Supply Power to Five Communities in Lagos

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has launched a 505-kilowatt peak (kWp) solar mini-grid project. This project aims to provide steady and reliable electricity to five communities in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The agency shared this news in a statement on Wednesday. They noted that this project is part of the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS).

The solar facility will benefit the communities of Odogbawojo, Odoshiwola, Odoayan, Ora, and Ibowon. It will help households, businesses, and public institutions gain better access to electricity.

The REA worked on this project with funding from the European Union, the German Government, and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) through the Nigerian Energy Support Programme(NESP).

A4&T Power Solutions Limited implemented the project in partnership with Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC). The REA described this project as a big step in Nigeria’s goal to expand renewable energy and provide electricity to communities that are not well-served.

The 505 kWp facility will power homes, small businesses, schools, health centres, and other users. The aim is to boost economic activities, improve social services, and raise living standards in these communities.

At the launch event, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, mentioned that the project shows the federal government’s commitment to increasing energy access under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He praised the agency’s work across Nigeria, noting that over 1,000 mini-grid projects are in development nationwide.

“The scale of what the REA is doing today is extraordinary,” he said. He also highlighted that nearly 3.9 million Nigerians now have access to solar home systems through the World Bank-supported Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) programme.

The minister pointed out several recent projects by the agency, including a 704-kilowatt solar hybrid mini-grid in Offa, Kogi State, which serves over 3,000 customers, and a 50-kilowatt mini-grid project in Sokoto State. He also mentioned renewable energy projects in Katsina aimed at helping communities facing climate and security issues.

“The REA has shown that the energy transition is not just a policy. It is happening community by community, kilowatt by kilowatt, life by life,” he said.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also praised the project. He said it is a good example of how government and private sector cooperation can speed up development in rural areas. He added, “This project is a strong example of how collaboration between the Federal Government and private sector can transform rural communities. Lagos State remains committed to supporting initiatives that expand energy access and drive inclusive growth.”

The Managing Director and CEO of REA, Abba Aliyu, stated that the launch shows how effective the REF-IMAS framework is in attracting private sector investments in renewable energy. “This commissioning shows the effectiveness of the REF-IMAS framework in unlocking private sector participation to deliver sustainable energy access,” Mr Aliyu said.

He added, “At REA, we remain committed to closing Nigeria’s energy gap through scalable and impact-driven interventions.” Duke Benjamin, the Head of NESP-GIZ, said the project highlights the importance of international partnerships in Nigeria’s clean energy transition.

“This project shows the power of strong partnerships in delivering climate-smart and inclusive energy solutions,” he said. “GIZ is proud to support Nigeria in scaling decentralised renewable energy systems that improve livelihoods and drive sustainable development.”

A4&T Power Solutions Limited, the project developer, called the commissioning a sign of the growing capacity of local firms to deliver large-scale renewable energy projects. “We are honoured to have delivered this landmark project. It shows the capacity of Nigerian developers to design and implement world-class energy solutions that directly serve communities,” the company said.

The CEO of EKEDC also stressed the need for collaboration between electricity distribution companies and renewable energy developers to improve service delivery and expand electricity access. “This project shows the value of collaboration between DISCOs and renewable energy developers in strengthening distribution networks and improving service reliability,” he said.

The Chairman of Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) called the project transformative for the local economy. “This intervention will significantly improve economic activity, empower small businesses, and enhance the quality of life of our people,” he said.

The REA noted that this project is part of its wider national electrification plan. This includes the Rural Electrification Fund, Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), Energising Education Programme (EEP), Energising Economies Initiative (EEI), Capital Projects, and the DARES Programme.

The agency added that the REF-IMAS framework continues to help private sector-led mini-grid deployment across Nigeria. According to REA, the launch reinforces the federal government’s commitment to expanding infrastructure, promoting economic growth, and speeding up Nigeria’s shift to cleaner energy sources.