The Federal Government has commenced a $100 million mini-grid power initiative in Kogi State with the groundbreaking of a 20-megawatt project in Egume, Dekina Local Government Area.
The Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, performed the groundbreaking ceremony and described the project as the largest mini-grid power project in North Central Nigeria.
Two additional mini-grid facilities , a 700-kilowatt plant in Offa Community, Olamaboro Local Government Area, and a 400-kilowatt facility in Emewe Efopa Community, Dekina Local Government Area ,were also commissioned.
According to the minister, the projects are being executed under the Federal Ministry of Power through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) as part of efforts to expand access to electricity, stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life of residents.
Audu said the initiative, tagged “Light Up Kogi,” aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and disclosed that more than 40 mini-grid electrification projects have been secured for communities across Kogi East.
The Federal Government, in collaboration with the World Bank through the REA, has secured nearly $100 million in funding for the projects, which are expected to boost businesses, healthcare delivery, education and security in the state.
The Managing Director of the REA, Abba Aliyu, expressed optimism that the flagship 20MW Egume project, which occupies over five hectares of land, would be completed within six months and provide reliable and affordable electricity to homes, schools and healthcare facilities.
The projects were flagged off by the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, under the Federal Government’s rural electrification programme
