- DARES project targets 17.5 million Nigerians with 1,350 mini-grids and 1.6 million solar home systems.
- First grant agreements signed with RESCOS, including Privida Energy, to deliver 2.5 MW and 11,000 new connections.
- The project supports Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and boosts rural electrification, jobs, and clean energy investment.
The Federal Government has signed the first round of grant agreements under the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) project, accelerating efforts to close Nigeria’s electricity gap.
DARES is the world’s largest public-sector-funded renewable energy initiative. The project aims to provide clean electricity to 17.5 million Nigerians by deploying 1,350 mini-grids and 1.6 million standalone solar home systems.
Government officials signed the new grant agreements with several Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOS), including Privida Energy. These companies will install 2.5 megawatts (MW) of solar power and connect over 11,000 new users to electricity.
So far, RESCOS has submitted 198 mini-grid sites for deployment. In the following stages, they plan to deliver more than 340,000 additional connections.
The solar home system rollout under DARES has already broken records that were previously set by the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP). The rapid scale-up signals a significant step in Nigeria’s push for universal energy access.
The government links DARES to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to improve lives through sustainable infrastructure and energy reforms. Officials say the project directly supports that vision.
DARES targets rural and underserved communities, aiming to electrify homes, schools, clinics, and small businesses. “We want to give people reliable, affordable power that improves daily life,” said a government spokesperson.
The project also creates jobs in local solar system manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. Nigerian companies are responsible for expanding operations and attracting new investments abroad.
Privida Energy, part of the first batch of RESCOS, praised the agreement. “We’re ready to deliver and grow our presence across Nigeria and other African markets,” said a company representative.
Local and international stakeholders have shown strong interest in DARES. Many see the project as a model for clean energy expansion in developing countries.
The World Bank and other global partners provide funding and technical support. The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) coordinates implementation with RESCOS and state governments.
Government officials plan to onboard more RESCOS in future phases. They intend to move fast, maintain high standards, and focus on real community impact.
Nigeria’s energy sector continues to shift toward decentralised, low-carbon solutions. DARES plays a key role in that transition, offering scalable pathways to close the electricity access gap.
By installing solar systems in remote areas, the government hopes to drive inclusive growth, improve resilience, and support Nigeria’s climate goals.
DARES promises to change the lives of millions who lack reliable electricity. It signals a new era for clean energy and development across Nigeria.