The Federal Government, through the Rural Electrification Agency, has advanced the implementation of the Africa mini-grids programme.
The effort was made known at the Africa Mini-Grids Programme Grant Award Ceremony in Abuja on Friday.
The event marked the official unveiling of the delivery and deployment of 23 new mini-grids across six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
These mini-grids, with capacities ranging from 30 kWp to 200 kWp, are set to enhance electricity access in underserved rural communities, contributing to sustainable energy solutions and improving the quality of life for countless Nigerians.
A statement by the Global Environment Facility on Saturday noted that the initiative, which became active in 21 countries in 2022, is being funded by the Facility and supported by the United Nations Development Programme in Nigeria.
It noted that the intervention is designed to impact over 70,000 Nigerians, enabling over 600 productive use connections and over 375 social connections.
It also said that 18 renewable energy developers have been awarded grant agreements to the tune of $5.91m.
The statement read, “Since its activation, the REA has worked in lockstep with the GEF, the UNDP, the Federal Ministry of Environment and other frontline stakeholders in the energy access ecosystem to develop and strengthen community-centred objectives of the AMP.
“The GEF-funded AMP has enabled the sector to further x-ray the rural agricultural value chains, while creating a pathway for accelerated, sustainable energy access in last-mile Nigeria.
“The REA convened the AMP Grant Award Ceremony, signaling the kick-off of the development of 23 additional mini-grids across 6 geo-political zones in Nigeria, with capacity ranging from 30Kwp to 200Kwp.
“This intervention is designed to impact over 70,000 Nigerians, enabling over 600 productive use connections and over 375 social connections. 18 renewable energy developers have been awarded grant agreements to the tune of $5.91 million.”
The statement emphasised that AMP’s innovative model ensures close collaboration between public and private stakeholders, reinforcing their shared commitment to sustainable energy solutions that drive agricultural development and enhance food security across Nigeria.
It added that 23 sites have been prioritised for the pilot phase of the AMP.
“As a unique initiative, the GEF-funded AMP is set to create a replicable framework that aligns with the nation’s energy transition goals and serves as an exemplar model in sub-Saharan Africa.
“As the REA advances the Program, mapping out viable communities and exploring business models, it is set to redefine rural electrification in Nigeria.
“Out of an impressive 120 sites in the ag-energy pipeline, developed through the Energizing Agriculture Programme, 23 sites have been prioritized for the pilot phase of the AMP, spread across the six geographical zones of the nation.
“These sites reflect diverse agricultural activities across these zones with a focus on grain processing; enhancing energy efficiency in staple food production, non-grain processing; strengthening support and value addition for cash crops and other agro byproducts and Cold Storage; to reduce post-harvest losses and enabling access to cooling and refrigeration solutions,” it explained.
Commenting, the GEF Operational Focal Person, Mr. Stanley Jonah, reiterated the transformative impact of the AMP, explaining that “the completion of the AMP projects will not only enhance the agricultural value chain but impact the quality of lives of rural dwellers”.
He said that the GEF remains committed to the growth of the energy access ecosystem.
Also, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, noted that “the AMP aligns with the Federal Government’s focus on the optimization of decentralized renewable energy solutions to catalyze growth and unlock opportunities in the agricultural sector”.
He added that the “REA’s focus on energy access for agricultural productivity is deliberate as agriculture remains a central industry that will aid economic growth and inclusion if well harnessed. Beyond powering homes, the implementation of the AMP will energize businesses, strengthen innovation in the sector, foster job creation, and reduce energy poverty across the country”.
With a 48-month timeline, the AMP-funded mini-grids are targeted at catalysing access to energy-efficient, sustainable infrastructure for small-holder farmers in last-mile communities.
The programme will enable an accelerated increase in the financial viability and promotion of scaled-up commercial investment in mini-grids in Nigeria.
