The Federal Government has commenced work on three interconnected mini-grid projects in Kofare, Saminaka and Mbamba communities in Adamawa State. The projects have a combined capacity of 13.5 megawatts and are part of efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to expand electricity access to underserved areas.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, described the initiative as “another milestone in the nation’s journey towards universal electricity access, energy security and a cleaner energy future.”
He said mini-grids are “not a substitute for the national grid but an integral part of Nigeria’s power architecture,” as the country works toward a more diversified system that combines grid infrastructure, mini-grids, renewables and storage.
Tegbe linked the projects to the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) Programme, which he described as the world’s largest publicly funded renewable energy access initiative. DARES is designed to mobilize public and private investment to connect millions of Nigerians to reliable power.
The Managing Director/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, said the three projects are part of a broader rollout of 39 mini-grids in Adamawa State — three interconnected and 36 isolated — with a combined capacity of nearly 27MW.
According to him, the full rollout is expected to reach about 40,000 households, 6,000 MSMEs and over 100 public institutions across the state.
Aliyu commended the Minister for his support for renewable energy and for recognizing mini-grids as a key component of the national grid ecosystem.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri commended the Federal Government for the initiative and thanked Tegbe for his leadership. He said the projects were a direct outcome of last year’s REA State-by-State Roundtable, which brought together developers and state governments and showcased Adamawa’s investment readiness.
While performing the official groundbreaking, Tegbe commended the state government for providing 30 hectares of land. He also praised REA’s implementation efforts and acknowledged the contributions of development partners, DisCos, financiers and host communities.
He urged residents of the beneficiary communities to protect the mini-grid assets from vandalism, noting that “they belong to the people.”
For Kofare, Saminaka and Mbamba, officials said the projects mark the start of a new phase in which reliable power will support commerce, education and livelihoods.
“As the Renewed Hope Agenda continues to light up communities once left in the dark, today’s milestone is further proof that Nigeria’s electricity future is being built deliberately, efficiently and sustainably,” Tegbe said.
