Uche Cecil Izuora
The Federal Government has begun development of four solar hybrid mini-grid projects in Rivers State, expected to bring reliable electricity to more than 13,492 households, businesses and public institutions.
The projects have a combined capacity of 11.9MWp and are being implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) Programme, with support from the World Bank. The beneficiary communities are Bolo/Wakama, Gokana/Khana, Ogu/ChukuAma and Onne.
The REA Managing Director/CEO Dr. Abba Aliyu said the projects reflect the federal government’s commitment to reaching communities regardless of location, and that the mini-grids are expected to support businesses, healthcare, education and job creation in the beneficiary communities. “For decades, Rivers State has powered Nigeria through its oil and gas resources. Today, it is positioning itself to become a leader in renewable energy as well. Communities that have contributed immensely to Nigeria’s energy security deserve reliable electricity that drives local prosperity,” Aliyu said.
Aliyu said the new projects build on REA’s existing footprint in the state, where the agency has completed 16 renewable energy projects delivering more than 11.5MW of installed capacity and electricity access to over 14,300 households and businesses. He also announced that REA’s 10.5MW solar hybrid power plant at the University of Port Harcourt, described as one of the largest university-based renewable energy projects in Nigeria, has been completed and is ready for commissioning. He said the new mini-grids align with President Tinubu’s broader goal of building a one-trillion-dollar Nigerian economy, describing reliable electricity as foundational to industrialisation and enterprise development.
The Amanyanabo of Bolo Kingdom, His Royal Highness Acheseinimie Micah Frank, commended the federal government, Rivers State government and REA for bringing the project to his community, describing it as transformative for local productivity and livelihoods, particularly for the area’s fishing population.
Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, represented at the groundbreaking ceremony by Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, described the projects as evidence of productive collaboration between the federal and state governments, and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for extending the Renewed Hope Agenda’s renewable energy investments to Rivers State.