KEY POINTS
- The Federal Government has begun a $100 million mini-grid energy project in Kogi State in partnership with the World Bank and REA.
- The project includes a 20-megawatt mini-grid in Egume, the largest of its kind in North Central Nigeria.
- Officials say the initiative will expand electricity access, boost economic activities, and improve living standards across the region.
The Federal Government, in collaboration with the World Bank and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), has launched a nearly $100 million mini-grid energy initiative aimed at improving electricity supply across parts of Kogi State.
The project was officially flagged off with the groundbreaking of a 20-megawatt mini-grid facility in Egume, Dekina Local Government Area.
The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, who performed the ceremony, described the project as the largest mini-grid power installation in North Central Nigeria.
He said the initiative is part of the Federal Government’s broader effort to implement the Renewed Hope Agenda by expanding access to reliable electricity across underserved communities.
According to him, the project will help stimulate economic growth, improve security, and enhance the quality of life of residents in Kogi East and beyond.
Expansion of Rural Electrification Projects
The minister disclosed that over 40 mini-grid projects have been secured across the nine local government areas in Igala land through collaboration with the REA and the Federal Ministry of Power.
He added that several communities will soon begin to experience improved electricity supply as the projects are rolled out in phases.
The initiative, he said, is designed to support businesses, improve healthcare and education services, and drive overall socio-economic development.
As part of the broader intervention, two additional mini-grid projects were also commissioned in Kogi State.
These include a 700-kilowatt facility in Offa Community, Olamaboro Local Government Area, and a 400-kilowatt project in Emewe Efopa Community, Dekina Local Government Area.
Officials said these projects will contribute to improving energy access in rural communities and reducing dependence on unreliable power sources.
The Managing Director of the REA, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, commended the minister for his commitment to attracting renewable energy investments to the state.
He stated that the combined efforts have already drawn about 29 megawatts of renewable energy projects to Kogi.
He added that the Egume project is expected to be completed within six months and urged residents to prepare to take advantage of new economic opportunities that improved electricity will bring.
Traditional rulers in the affected communities expressed appreciation for the project, describing it as a long-awaited development that would improve livelihoods.
The Ejeh of Dekina, Alhaji Usman Obaje, praised the federal government and project stakeholders for prioritising rural electrification in the region.
