FG Begins 17.7MW Oyo Mini-grid Construction

The Federal Government has commenced five interconnected mini-grid projects with a combined capacity of 17.7 megawatts in Oyo State.

The projects, located in Akinyele, Ido, Ibadan North, Egbeda and Lagelu Local Government Areas, comprise the Bola, Jiboye, Molade-Adelubi, Ogo Oluwa and Sooko-Elega interconnected mini-grids, and is designed to improve electricity access in the communities.

The initiative is supported by a 17.74-megawatt battery energy storage system designed to support electricity supply and improve reliability.

Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, who made this known at the groundbreaking ceremony of the project, said the initiative would improve electricity access, support businesses and reduce dependence on generators in beneficiary communities.

Tegbe said the projects formed part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to expand electricity access under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

 According to a statement issued last Thursday, the minister said the projects were expected to improve electricity supply to households and businesses, extend operating hours and create opportunities for investment and job creation.

“The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has announced the commencement of five interconnected mini-grid projects with a combined capacity of 17.7 megawatts in Oyo State, while dismissing reports of a planned increase in electricity tariffs.

“The initiative is expected to improve electricity supply to homes and businesses, reduce dependence on generators, extend working hours and create a more favourable environment for investment and job creation”, it stated.

The minister said the projects reflected the importance of collaboration among government agencies, private companies and development partners in addressing the country’s electricity challenges.

He acknowledged the contributions of the Rural Electrification Agency, Paras Energy and Natural Resources Development Limited, the World Bank and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company to the initiative.

Tegbe also commended the Oyo State Government, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents of the host communities for their cooperation, while specifically acknowledging the support of the Olubadan of Ibadan land, towards the realisation of the projects.

The minister said similar interventions supported by the REA had been implemented in communities across Kwara, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau, Adamawa and Kaduna states.

Addressing concerns about a possible increase in electricity tariffs, Tegbe dismissed reports suggesting that the Federal Government planned to raise rates, urging Nigerians to disregard the reports.

He said the government’s priority was to improve electricity supply and work towards achieving round-the-clock power, rather than announce a tariff increase.

Tegbe further identified three proposed energy corridors of the Lagos – Ogun, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano and the Benin-Enugu-Port Harcourt corridors, as part of the government’s plan to improve electricity availability.