By Abdullahi Lukman
The Federal Government, through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), has commenced the rollout of decentralised renewable energy projects expected to inject a combined 60.82 megawatts of electricity into the national grid, as part of efforts to improve power supply and expand energy access across underserved communities.
The latest addition is a 13.92-megawatt-peak interconnected hybrid solar mini-grid project in Yobe State, bringing the total capacity of REA projects recently launched across six states to 60.82MW.
According to the agency, the Yobe project, funded with support from the World Bank, comprises 40 distribution transformers and is designed to strengthen electricity supply, improve grid stability and stimulate economic activities in commercial and residential communities.
The project includes a 3.20MWp solar installation in Nguru, another 3.20MWp facility at Yarimaram in Potiskum, a 2.98MWp plant in Gashua, a 2.78MWp system at Rugan Fulani in Potiskum, and a 1.76MWp installation serving Waziri Ibrahim Estate in Damaturu.
Before the Yobe groundbreaking, the REA had launched 46.9MW of renewable energy infrastructure in five states, including a 20MW mini-grid in Egume, Kogi State; an 11.9MWp project in Ogu-Bolo, Rivers State; a 10MW installation in Kofare, Adamawa State; a 3.5MW mini-grid in Ambursa, Kebbi State; and a 1.5MW project in Pankshin, Plateau State.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, described the project as a major boost to the state’s infrastructure development agenda, noting that it would enhance industrial growth, improve agricultural productivity and strengthen economic resilience.
REA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Abba Abubakar Aliyu, said the interconnected hybrid mini-grids were designed to integrate seamlessly with existing electricity distribution networks while providing reliable and sustainable power to communities.
“We are not merely connecting communities to electricity. We are connecting them to opportunity. We are creating an environment where businesses can grow, young people can innovate, farmers can process more of what they produce, healthcare facilities can provide better services, and local economies can flourish,” Aliyu said.
He also disclosed that the agency has 14 additional renewable energy projects in the pipeline for Yobe State following a strategic roundtable held in June 2025. The projects are expected to deliver an additional 15.3MWp of electricity and provide about 23,870 new electricity connections to communities, including Jawur Katamma, Federal Polytechnic Damaturu and Dibbwol.
