TEGBE COMMISSIONS 581KWP SOLAR MINI-GRID WITH 1.4MW BATTERY STORAGE IN KWARA
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has commissioned a 581kWp interconnected solar mini-grid with a 1.4MW battery energy storage system (BESS) in Oke-Oyi Community, Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The project, delivered under the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS) and supported by the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), is designed to provide reliable electricity to the community, including through the night, with its expanded battery storage capacity.
The initiative was supported by the European Union, the Federal Republic of Germany through GIZ, and other development partners, including UNICEF. Speaking at the commissioning, Tegbe described IMAS as a model for international partnership, saying it leverages public funding to attract private developers, establish clear market rules and promote long-term commercial viability.
The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) said the Oke-Oyi project demonstrates how interconnected mini-grids can combine distributed renewable energy with existing distribution networks to improve electricity supply, attract private investment and support economic activities.
He said the agency was focused on scaling up such models through stronger financing, regulatory and institutional frameworks, while ensuring commercial viability, proper maintenance and community ownership. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Federal Ministry of Power, Kwara State Government, development partners, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company and Nayo Tropical Technologies Limited.
Representing the Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, commended the Federal Government’s power sector reforms and described the project as significant to rural development. He said improved electricity supply could help curb rural-urban migration by creating opportunities for communities outside major urban centres.
Tegbe urged residents of Oke-Oyi to protect the newly commissioned infrastructure against vandalism and criminal interference, describing the mini-grid as an investment for the community and future generations. He subsequently declared the project commissioned on behalf of the Federal Government and congratulated the community and stakeholders involved in its delivery.
The Oke-Oyi mini-grid is expected to provide electricity to about 1,800 businesses and households. Tegbe said the project would help energise businesses, create opportunities, empower young people and improve livelihoods, while contributing to the Federal Government’s efforts to expand electricity access, strengthen energy security and promote a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
