The Federal Government has commissioned a 505-kilowatt interconnected solar mini-grid in Epe, Lagos State, and announced plans to develop an additional five-megawatt renewable energy project to expand electricity access and drive economic growth in the area.
The newly inaugurated project, located in the Majoda communities of Eredo, Epe Local Government Area, serves Odogbawojo, Odoshiwola, Odoayan, Ora, and Ibowon communities and is expected to provide reliable electricity to more than 8,000 residents.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, described the project as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to deploying decentralised renewable energy solutions that improve livelihoods, create jobs, and stimulate economic development.
Tegbe praised the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and its Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, for advancing rural electrification and renewable energy deployment across Nigeria.
According to the minister, the agency has undergone a significant transformation, evolving into an institution delivering measurable impacts across communities nationwide.
He disclosed that more than 1,000 mini-grid projects are currently under development across the country, while solar home systems deployed under various programmes have expanded electricity access to millions of Nigerians.
“Over 1,000 mini-grids are currently under active development across the country. Under the World Bank-supported DARES initiative, IMAS solar home systems have now reached more than 3.9 million Nigerians,” Tegbe said.
He noted that similar renewable energy projects are being implemented in states including Niger, Sokoto, and Katsina, demonstrating that Nigeria’s energy transition is already taking shape at the community level.
The minister also acknowledged the support of the European Union, the Government of Germany, and the Nigerian Energy Support Programme in delivering the Epe project.
According to him, the mini-grid will go beyond providing electricity by unlocking economic opportunities, supporting local businesses, improving healthcare and education services, and creating employment opportunities.
Tegbe explained that the project represents a fully integrated energy system that combines solar power generation, battery storage, transmission infrastructure, and direct household metering.
He assured investors and development partners that the Federal Government would continue to create an enabling environment for renewable energy investments and decentralised power infrastructure across the country.
Earlier, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, described the project as a major milestone in efforts to provide reliable electricity and stimulate economic activities in underserved communities.
Aliyu stated that the 504kW Epe Interconnected Mini-Grid was delivered under the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme, an initiative supported by the European Union and the Government of Germany.
“Today, we are not simply commissioning a power project. We are commissioning economic opportunity, industrial productivity, enterprise growth, and a sustainable future for the people of Epe,” he said.
He explained that the project would provide dependable electricity to households, businesses, commercial enterprises, and critical institutions while reducing reliance on diesel-powered generators.
Aliyu further revealed that the newly commissioned mini-grid represents only the first phase of the agency’s long-term electrification strategy for Epe.
He announced that the REA is already working towards deploying an additional 5MW of renewable energy capacity across Epe and surrounding economic clusters to meet growing energy demand.
According to him, the planned expansion will support industrial operations, agro-processing facilities, cold-chain infrastructure, commercial centres, digital enterprises, educational institutions, and other productive-use activities.
Aliyu noted that projects implemented under the IMAS programme have improved electricity reliability, reduced energy costs, lowered dependence on diesel generation, and boosted economic growth in beneficiary communities nationwide.
He added that the Epe mini-grid project demonstrates the value of collaboration among government agencies, development partners, private investors, financial institutions, electricity distribution companies, and host communities in achieving universal energy access.
The REA boss said the project aligns with Nigeria’s broader electrification agenda and the country’s efforts to expand access to sustainable and productive energy solutions.
