FG powers 2,214 homes, businesses with Kano mini-grids

The Federal Government has commissioned two solar mini-grids in Kano State, providing 2,214 electricity connections to homes and businesses in underserved communities.

The projects, delivered through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) programme of the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), are funded by the World Bank.

Located in Ballagaza, Gabasawa Local Government Area, and Marayar Rogo, Warawa Local Government Area, the facilities have a combined installed capacity of 268.4 kilowatt-peak (kWp).

A statement by the REA on Thursday said the Ballagaza mini-grid has a capacity of 195.2kWp, while the Marayar Rogo facility has 73.2kWp.

The projects have provided 1,564 electricity connections in Ballagaza and 650 in Marayar Rogo.

Speaking at the commissioning, the Minister of Power, Chief Joseph Tegbe, said the projects demonstrated the importance of investment in renewable energy and collaboration with the private sector in expanding electricity access.

He said the Federal Government would continue to encourage partnerships that accelerate the delivery of reliable and sustainable electricity, particularly to rural communities.

According to him, the projects would bring electricity closer to underserved populations, support small businesses and create an enabling environment for economic growth.

The REA said the mini-grids were expected to support productive activities, including milling, welding, tailoring, cold storage and other commercial services, improving business operations, productivity and household incomes.

Representing Kano State Governor, the Managing Director of the Kano State Rural Electricity Board, Abba Kabir Yusuf, commended the Federal Government and the REA for extending electricity infrastructure to the benefiting communities.

He said improved electricity supply would support commercial activities, enhance productivity and contribute to the state’s socio-economic development.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the REA, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, said the agency’s objective went beyond installing electricity infrastructure to ensuring that communities derived tangible economic benefits from the projects.

“With 2,214 connections across Ballagaza and Marayar Rogo, we are creating opportunities for households, supporting local businesses and providing a dependable foundation for productive work, stronger enterprises and improved incomes,” Aliyu said.

He added that the agency remained committed to ensuring that electricity access translated into better livelihoods and economic opportunities for rural communities.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Alfuttaim Nigeria Limited, Femi Kumuyi, whose company delivered the projects, said the facilities demonstrated the benefits of collaboration among the Federal Government, the REA, development partners and private-sector developers.

He said the company would continue to support the expansion of reliable renewable energy solutions in underserved communities.