Rural Electrification Agency (REA) says it is committed to the provision of energy access to rural communities across the country.
The Managing Director/CEO of the agency, Mr Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, an engineer, stated this during an inspection of a solar hybrid mini-grid project in Danchitagi Community in Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State, at the weekend.
He assured residents that the agency will continue its accelerated deployment of impactful energy access projects while maintaining standardized implementation.
He emphasised the importance of placing people at the centre of energy access programs and initiatives, saying the purpose of this visit is to evaluate the project’s impact on beneficiary communities and ensure compliance with approved technical standards set by the agency.
He stated, “REA’s mini-grids continue to catalyze productive use of energy, driving socioeconomic development.”
The Managing Director of REA also highlighted the cost-saving benefits of renewable energy, particularly after the recent removal of fuel subsidies, saying beneficiaries could now rely on clean energy to power their homes and businesses instead of costlier alternatives like petrol and diesel generators.
The inspection followed similar visits to projects in Lagos, Osun, and Ogun States.
The inspections, according to the agency exemplified the hands-on approach of the management in implementing projects and demonstrate the agency’s commitment to providing energy access to rural areas nationwide.
The Danchitagi Village’s project developed by Power Gen in Lavun LGA, is a fully operational 200kWp solar hybrid mini-grid with 450kWh Li-ion batteries, benefiting over 700 users and 13 productive users in the predominantly farming community.
It was deployed under the Performance-Based Grant (PBG) programme of the Solar Hybrid Mini Grid component of the Nigeria Electrification Project, with funding from the World Bank
During the visit, the REA team assessed the mini-grid’s impact on micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Danchitagi village.
They observed how the project efficiently powers the community’s rice mill, hair salons, cold drink stores, welding businesses, as well as residential homes.
Through the Nigeria Electrification Project/Performance Based Grants (NEP-PBG) initiative, over 80 similar mini-grids have been deployed across the country, ensuring equitable access to electricity.
The community rice mill in Danchitagi serves as a prime example of productive use of energy (PUE) and is part of the pilot equipment tested under the REA’s Energizing Agriculture Programme (EAP).
This program, implemented by the agency with support from the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), aims to boost Nigeria’s GDP, accelerate renewable energy adoption, and unlock agricultural productivity. The successful impact of the EAP pilot in Danchitagi village showcases the potential for replication in other locations nationwide.
Commenting, Mallam Mahmoud, a tailor in Danchitagi, expressed his gratitude to the REA for the mini-grid technology’s positive impact on his business.
He said “I am personally happy with the electricity as it has improved my business, especially during this Eid season. I now work overnight using this electricity to make clothes for customers, and in return, I make more money.”
Numerous other business owners in the community have similarly benefited from the completed and activated project.
The REA remains dedicated to empowering rural areas by providing clean, safe, reliable, and sustainable electricity, one community at a time.
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