The Federal Government has commended the European Union, the Federal Republic of Germany and the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP) for their contributions to Nigeria’s power project implemented through the GIZ.
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, also stated that the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS) which underpinned the project that was commission is a model of how international partnership should work.
He added that it leverages public funding to attract private developers, creates clear market rules, and builds in long-term commercial viability rather than dependence on perpetual subsidy.
‘To our partners from the EU and Germany, Nigeria is grateful. Your investment in our energy future is an investment in our shared future.”
He spoke during the commissioning of the 505 kwp interconnected solar grid project in Eredo Community of Epe Local Government Area of Lagos according to a statement on Wednesday.
He said: “Today’s commissioning is not merely about energizing a community; it is about transforming lives, unlocking economic opportunities, supporting local businesses, improving education and healthcare services, creating jobs, and demonstrating the power of strategic partnerships in advancing national development.”
“The Federal Government recognizes that access to electricity is one of the strongest enablers of economic growth and social development. The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu places infrastructure development, industrialization, poverty reduction, and inclusive economic growth at the centre of national priorities. None of these objectives can be achieved without reliable and affordable electricity.
“The commissioning of this 505 kWp interconnected solar minigrid is a practical demonstration of that vision. This project will provide cleaner, more reliable, and more affordable electricity to households, commercial enterprises, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and productive users within the Eredo community.”
The minister declared that the projects being embarked on by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) are measurably changing the lives of Nigerians across the country.
He hailed the leadership of the agency noting that the agency has, in recent years, undergone a remarkable transformation.
Speaking at the event, REA Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Abba Aliyu emphasized that electricity is the ultimate catalyst for commercial competitiveness, job creation, and industrial wealth.
He revealed that the REA is already laying the groundwork to deploy an additional 5MW of renewable energy capacity within Epe and its surrounding economic clusters to power agro-processing, cold-chain infrastructure, and local markets.
The project, according to him, brings together a powerful mix of stakeholders, including the Federal Government, the European Union (EU), and the German Government (via GIZ/NESP), working alongside private developers to build a commercially viable, subsidy-independent energy model.
Ayo Ademilua, Chief Executive Officer of A4&T Solutions, the project developer, Ayo Ademilua, reflected on the four-year journey to bring the project to life.
Ademilua also disclosed that A4&T Solutions will be launching electric tricycles tied directly to the mini-grid, a move, he stated would slash local transportation operational expenses (OPEX) by 40%.
He also revealed that the traditional rulers have also granted extra land to scale up the mini-grid’s capacity to 1.5MW in the near future.
