The federal government has commissioned two solar mini-grid projects in Kano State, connecting over 2,200 homes and businesses in underserved communities.
The projects, located in Ballagaza, Gabasawa Local Government Area, and Marayar Rogo, Warawa Local Government Area, were executed by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) programme of the Nigeria Electrification Project, funded by the World Bank.
REA disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
The government said the projects, delivered by Alfuttaim Nigeria Limited, comprise a 195.2kWp solar mini-grid in Ballagaza and a 73.2kWp solar mini-grid in Marayar Rogo, with a combined installed capacity of 268.4kWp.
According to REA, the projects have facilitated 2,214 electricity connections, comprising 1,564 connections in Ballagaza and 650 connections in Marayar Rogo.
Speaking at the commissioning on Wednesday, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, said the projects demonstrate the importance of sustained investment in renewable energy as a practical pathway to expanding electricity access across Nigeria.
“The commissioning of these projects demonstrates the importance of sustained investment in renewable energy as a practical pathway to expanding electricity access across Nigeria. Through initiatives such as these, we are bringing power closer to communities, supporting small businesses and creating an enabling environment for economic growth,” Mr Tegbe said.
He said the federal government will continue to encourage partnerships that accelerate the delivery of reliable and sustainable electricity to Nigerians, particularly those in rural areas.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of REA, Abba Aliyu, said the real value of the projects lies in what electricity makes possible for beneficiaries.
“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,” he said.
Representing the Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, the Managing Director of the Kano State Rural Electricity Board said improved electricity supply would support commercial activities and contribute to the socio-economic development of the state.
“These projects are a welcome development for our communities, as access to reliable electricity will create new opportunities for our people, particularly local entrepreneurs and small business owners.
“The Kano State Government appreciates the collaboration with the Federal Government and REA and remains committed to supporting initiatives that improve living standards, stimulate economic activities and extend essential infrastructure to underserved areas of the state,” he said.
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Similarly, the Emir of Kano, represented by the Magajin Garin Kano, urged residents to take ownership of the infrastructure and ensure its protection and sustainability.
“Reliable electricity is essential to the progress of our communities because it supports businesses, improves household welfare and creates opportunities for our young people.
“We appreciate the efforts of the federal government, REA and the project developer in bringing these benefits to our people. We encourage community members to protect the facilities, use the electricity responsibly and cooperate with the relevant operators to ensure that the projects continue to serve present and future generations,” he said.
The Managing Director of Alfuttaim Nigeria Limited, Femi Kumuyi, said the projects show what can be achieved through collaboration between the federal government, REA, development partners and private sector developers.
“Beyond installing solar mini-grids, our goal is to provide reliable electricity that enables households to improve their quality of life and empowers local businesses to grow.
“We are proud to contribute to expanding electricity access in Ballagaza and Marayar Rogo and remain committed to supporting Nigeria’s transition towards a more inclusive and sustainable energy future,” he said.
