…Targets 13,000 homes, businesses
By Seun Ibiyemi
The Federal Government has commenced the construction of four solar hybrid mini-grid projects in Rivers State aimed at providing reliable electricity to more than 13,492 households, businesses and public institutions.
The projects, with a combined capacity of 11.9 megawatts peak (MWp), 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 include Bolo/Wakama, Gokana/Khana, Ogu/ChukuAma and Onne.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, represented by Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, described the initiative as evidence of productive collaboration between the Federal Government and the state government.
Odu expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for extending the benefits of the Renewed Hope Agenda to the people of Rivers State through investments in renewable energy infrastructure.
Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Dr Abba Aliyu with the Representative of the Governor of Rivers State, the Rivers State Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu at the ground-breaking of a 12MW solar mini-grid project in Bolo/Wakama, Gokana/Khana, Ogu/ChukuAma, and Onne, Rivers State today
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Dr. Abba Aliyu, said the projects underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that no community is excluded from access to electricity because of its location.
According to him, the mini-grids will provide clean, reliable and affordable electricity capable of stimulating businesses, strengthening healthcare and education services, creating jobs and improving livelihoods 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.
He noted that the projects form part of broader investments by the agency in Rivers State, disclosing that 16 renewable energy projects had already been completed across the state, delivering more than 11.5MW of installed clean energy capacity and providing electricity access to over 14,300 households and businesses.
Aliyu also announced that the agency’s flagship 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, had been completed and was awaiting commissioning.
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He added that the mini-grid projects align with President Tinubu’s vision of building a one-trillion-dollar economy, stressing that reliable electricity remains critical to industrialisation, enterprise development and inclusive economic growth.
Also speaking, the Amanyanabo of Bolo Kingdom, His Royal Highness Acheseinimie Micah Frank, commended the Federal Government, the Rivers State Government and the REA for bringing the project to his community.
Frank described the initiative as transformative, noting that stable electricity would unlock economic opportunities, improve productivity and support the livelihoods of residents, particularly those engaged in fishing activities.
