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By Adewale Sanyaolu
The Federal Government on Monday, commenced the construction of 42 renewable energy projects in Adamawa and Kebbi states that will deliver nearly 30 megawatts of clean electricity to thousands of homes, businesses and public institutions,
Implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in partnership with the two state governments, the projects comprise 39 mini-grids across Adamawa State and a 3.5-megawatt solar power plant with supporting 33kV infrastructure in Kebbi State.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Adamawa, the Minister of Power, Mr. Joseph Tegbe, said the projects underscore the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving universal electricity access under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the Adamawa projects alone would inject nearly 27 megawatts of clean, reliable electricity into underserved communities, making them one of the largest decentralised renewable energy programmes undertaken in a single state.
According to the minister, about 40,000 households and businesses in communities including Kofare, Saminaka, Mbamba, Gulak, Michika, Shuwa, Bazza, Belel, Ganye, Song, Hong, Mubi and Guyuk will benefit from the initiative.
Tegbe said the projects would also provide reliable electricity to about 6,000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, including welders, tailors, grain millers, cold-room operators, ICT businesses and agro-processors, while improving electricity supply to more than 100 public institutions such as schools, healthcare facilities and water schemes.
He noted that beyond expanding electricity access, the mini-grids would reduce dependence on petrol and diesel generators, stimulate local economic activities and attract greater private investment into Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.
“Behind every connection is more than a meter. It is a family whose quality of life will improve, a child whose education will be enhanced, an entrepreneur whose business will expand, and a community whose future will become brighter,” the minister said.
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, described the project as a decisive step in tackling energy poverty and accelerating economic development.
According to him, the initiative is expected to unlock new opportunities for businesses, agriculture and investment while expanding access to clean energy across the state.
Fintiri recalled that discussions leading to the investment began during an REA investment roundtable in Abuja in 2025, where the state offered incentives, including free land, concessional financing and credit guarantees, to attract renewable energy developers.
REA Managing Director, Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, said the agency’s intervention was designed to ensure that no community is left behind in Nigeria’s energy transition.
Aliyu disclosed that President Tinubu had approved a $750 million facility for the REA to implement interconnected mini-grid projects nationwide.
He said about $10 million would be invested in the Kebbi project, which is expected to supply electricity to more than 1,000 households and strategic facilities, including the Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi.
According to him, the investment will improve power reliability, strengthen businesses and support the state’s broader economic development objectives.
He said the success of the projects would ultimately be measured by the number of businesses created, jobs generated, schools transformed, healthcare services improved and livelihoods enhanced through reliable electricity.
In Kebbi State, Governor Nasir Idris flagged off the construction of a 3.5-megawatt solar power plant and the Lot 7 Design, Supply and Installation of a 33kV Power Infrastructure Project in Ambursa.
The Governor described electricity as critical to economic growth, noting that the solar facility would include battery storage systems capable of supplying power after sunset.
He also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting the project, revealing that the government provided the project site free of charge to the contractor, Kelm Elicon Joint Venture.
The Chief Executive Officer of Kobeissi Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Ltd., Ali Kobeissi, assured that the project would be completed within eight months and appealed to host communities to support its successful execution.
The Adamawa and Kebbi projects form part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to expand rural electrification through renewable energy, reduce energy poverty, deepen private sector participation and provide affordable electricity to underserved communities across the country.
