- Mini-grids will be constructed to connect hundreds of households and micro-businesses in rural communities in Kogi, Nasarawa, and Niger States.
- The partnership is a significant step towards addressing the energy needs of rural areas and advancing Nigeria’s development agenda.
The Federal Government, through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), has announced a partnership initiative with ENGIE Energy Access Nigeria and CrossBoundary Energy Access Assets Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of CrossBoundary Access, to provide clean and stable electricity to 15 rural communities across three North Central states.
Under the public-private partnership (PPP) agreement, a portfolio of mini-grids will be constructed to connect hundreds of households and micro-businesses in underserved and unserved rural communities in Kogi, Nasarawa, and Niger States. The highlight of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing was the exchange of official documents, signifying the commencement of the project. The partnership marks a significant milestone in the quest to bring electricity to underserved communities, creating opportunities for economic growth, improved living conditions, and a brighter future for all.
The head of mini-grids, ENGIE Energy Access Nigeria, Onyinye Anene-Nzelu, stated that the company will provide scalable mini-grid energy access to Nigerians in rural communities, contributing to economic development and reducing Nigeria’s energy access deficit. According to her, ENGIE Energy is dedicated to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) of universal energy access as Africa’s leading mini-grid and off-grid, Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGo) solar energy solutions company.
On his part, the head of project management unit, REA, Abba Aliyu, stated that the partnership is a significant step towards addressing the energy needs of rural areas and advancing the country’s development agenda. Humphrey Wireko, MD, CrossBoundary Access, stated that the project is poised to provide power supply to the benefiting communities within six months to boost economic growth. Wireko, who signed on behalf of his firm, affirmed their commitment to the project.