REA Unveils 60.82MW Renewable Power Rollout Across Six States, Deepens Off-Grid Energy Push

• The Rural Electrification Agency has expanded its nationwide renewable energy programme to 60.82MW across six states.

• The latest 13.92MW interconnected hybrid solar project in Yobe builds on earlier projects in Kogi, Rivers, Adamawa, Kebbi and Plateau.

• REA says another 15.3MW of renewable energy projects are already in the pipeline for Yobe, a move expected to create nearly 24,000 new electricity connections

August 6, () — Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has expanded its nationwide renewable energy drive with the rollout of 60.82 megawatts (MW) of decentralised electricity projects across six states, accelerating the Federal Government’s push to bridge Nigeria’s electricity access gap through off-grid infrastructure.

The latest milestone came on Tuesday with the groundbreaking of a 13.92 megawatt-peak (MWp) interconnected hybrid solar project in Yobe State, bringing the combined capacity of the agency’s recent renewable energy projects to 60.82MW.

Yobe Project Pushes National Rollout Past 60MW

The Yobe initiative builds on 46.9MW of renewable infrastructure already launched in five states, including a 20MW mini-grid in Egume, Kogi State; an 11.9MWp project in Ogu-Bolo, Rivers State; a 10MW installation in Kofare, Adamawa State; a 3.5MW mini-grid in Ambursa, Kebbi State; and a 1.5MW project in Pankshin, Plateau State.

Rather than concentrating capacity in one location, the 13.92MWp Yobe project has been distributed across five strategic communities.

It comprises a 3.20MWp installation in Nguru, another 3.20MWp project in Yarimaram, Potiskum, a 2.98MWp system in Gashua, a 2.78MWp mini-grid in Rugan Fulani, Potiskum, and a 1.76MWp solar installation serving Waziri Ibrahim Estate in Damaturu.

Supported by the World Bank and equipped with 40 distribution transformers, the project is expected to strengthen electricity supply for households, businesses, and public institutions.

REA Targets Economic Growth Beyond Grid Expansion

Managing Director of the REA, Dr. Abba Aliyu, said the projects represent more than additional electricity generation, stressing that decentralised renewable infrastructure is becoming a catalyst for economic development.

“We are not merely connecting communities to electricity. We are connecting them to opportunity. We are creating an environment where businesses can grow, young people can innovate, farmers can process more of what they produce, healthcare facilities can provide better services, and local economies can flourish,” Aliyu said.

According to him, interconnected hybrid mini-grids are designed to operate alongside existing electricity distribution networks, improving reliability while supporting long-term grid expansion.

Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni said the project aligns with the state’s development agenda, noting that improved electricity would support industrial growth, agriculture and small businesses.

More Renewable Projects On The Way

Aliyu disclosed that the current rollout is only part of the agency’s broader investment programme in Yobe State.

He said 14 additional renewable energy projects are already in the pipeline following a strategic roundtable held in June 2025.

The projects are expected to add another 15.3MWp of installed capacity and deliver about 23,870 new electricity connections across communities including Jawur Katamma, Federal Polytechnic Damaturu and Dibbwol.

If completed as planned, Yobe alone would account for more than 29MW of decentralised renewable generation, making it one of Nigeria’s largest beneficiaries of off-grid electricity investments as the Federal Government continues to expand clean energy access across underserved communities.