The Rural Electrification Agency, REA, has launched construction of 42 renewable energy projects in Adamawa and Kebbi states in partnership with federal and state governments, as part of a push to expand electricity access and power economic growth in underserved communities.
The rollout includes 39 mini-grid projects in Adamawa State and a 3.5-megawatt solar power plant in Kebbi State. Both are being delivered under the Federal Government’s rural electrification programme.
In Adamawa, the government flagged off the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up Programme. The package comprises three interconnected mini-grids and 36 isolated mini-grids.
The interconnected facilities will be sited in Kofare, Saminaka and Mbamba, with capacities of 10MW, 2.6MW and 890kW respectively.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, Minister of Power Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe said the Adamawa projects would add close to 27MW of clean electricity to communities across the state.
According to him, about 40,000 homes and businesses in Kofare, Saminaka, Mbamba, Gulak, Michika, Shuwa, Bazza, Belel, Ganye, Song, Hong, Mubi, Guyuk and other areas are expected to benefit.
He added that the intervention will also support around 6,000 MSMEs — including welders, tailors, grain millers, cold-room operators, ICT firms and agro-processors — and connect over 100 public institutions such as schools, health centres and water facilities.
Tegbe said the mini-grids are designed to complement the national grid in areas with poor or no supply, while also attracting private investment into renewable energy. He commended Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for providing land and other support for project implementation.
Fintiri described the projects as a critical step toward improving power access in the state.
REA Managing Director, Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, said the initiative aligns with the agency’s mandate to expand electricity access through renewable energy solutions.
In Kebbi, Governor Nasir Idris performed the groundbreaking for a 3.5MW solar power project and the Lot 7 Design, Supply and Installation of 33kV power infrastructure in Ambursa.
Idris said the solar plant, which will include battery storage to provide power after sunset, will boost supply across the state and drive socio-economic activity. The state government provided the project site at no cost to the contractor, Kelm Elicon Joint Venture, and urged timely delivery.
Aliyu disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a $750 million facility for REA to deploy interconnected mini-grids nationwide. About $10 million will go into the Kebbi project, which is expected to serve more than 1,000 households and key facilities including Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi.
He said the investment will improve power reliability, support businesses and strengthen economic development in the state.
Ali Kobeissi, CEO of Kobeissi Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Ltd., assured that the Kebbi solar project will be completed within eight months and called on host communities to support workers during construction.
Officials said the projects in Adamawa and Kebbi form part of the Federal Government’s wider strategy to expand electricity access through renewable energy, increase private sector participation, and improve power supply in rural and peri-urban communities.
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