The Federal Government has commissioned a 581kWp interconnected solar mini-grid with a 1.4 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) in Oke-Oyi, Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, marking a significant step toward expanding energy access in off-grid communities. The project, part of the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS), is designed to power 1,800 households and businesses, ensuring round-the-clock electricity supply through its advanced storage capabilities. Funded through a public-private partnership involving the European Union, the German government via GIZ, UNICEF, and other international partners, the initiative highlights efforts to leverage strategic public funding for sustainable energy infrastructure without relying on continuous state subsidies.
Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe described the Oke-Oyi project as a scalable model for rural electrification, emphasizing its role in attracting private sector investment and fostering commercial viability. 'IMAS demonstrates how public funding can de-risk energy infrastructure, establish market mechanisms, and build long-term sustainability for developers,' he stated, crediting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration for prioritizing reforms to strengthen Nigeria's electricity sector. Tegbe urged local residents to protect the assets, calling them a legacy for future generations. Abba Aliyu, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), noted the mini-grid's integration with Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) networks, which enhances supply reliability and revenue sustainability for operators like Nayo Tropical Technologies Limited, the project developer.
Kwara State House of Assembly Speaker Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, representing Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, highlighted the project's economic impact, linking reliable rural power to reduced migration to urban centers and grassroots industrialization. 'Since the Minister of Power took office, stable electricity has reached both urban and rural areas,' he said, underscoring the Renewed Hope Agenda's focus on delivering tangible benefits to communities. The REA has prioritized scaling such models through improved financing, regulatory frameworks, and community engagement, while ensuring maintenance and commercial viability. The project also underscores the collaboration between federal and state governments, development partners, and private developers to address energy gaps in Nigeria's rural regions.
The Oke-Oyi initiative reflects broader efforts to transform Nigeria's energy landscape by combining renewable technologies with existing distribution networks. By addressing energy poverty and stimulating local economies, the project aligns with national goals to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote sustainable development. With 1,800 connections already planned, the mini-grid serves as a blueprint for replicating similar models across underserved areas, potentially catalyzing broader economic growth and resilience in Nigeria's rural communities.