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 in Oke-Oyi Community, Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, as part of efforts to expand reliable electricity access to rural communities.
The project, delivered under the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS) and supported by the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), is backed by the European Union, the Federal Republic of Germany through GIZ, and other development partners, including UNICEF.
The battery storage capacity is expected to enable the mini-grid to supply electricity to the community through the night.
Speaking at the commissioning, Tegbe described IMAS as a model for international partnership, saying the scheme uses public funding to attract private developers, establish clear market rules and promote long-term commercial viability rather than dependence on perpetual subsidies.
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 electricity distribution networks to improve supply, attract private investment and support economic activities.
The REA Managing Director said the agency was focused on scaling up such projects 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, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, commended the Federal Government’s power sector reforms and said improved electricity supply could help reduce rural-urban migration by creating opportunities within rural communities.
Tegbe urged residents of Oke-Oyi to protect the newly commissioned infrastructure from vandalism and other forms of criminal interference, describing the project as an investment intended to benefit the community and future generations. He said the project would energise businesses, create opportunities, empower young people and improve livelihoods.
The Oke-Oyi mini-grid is expected to provide electricity to about 1,800 businesses and households, adding to the Federal Government’s portfolio of rural and off-grid electrification projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The government said the initiative is part of its efforts to expand electricity access, strengthen energy security and support Nigeria’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy.
