REA commissions solar power for 3,000 in Niger

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) said it is commissioning a solar hybrid mini-grid power plant in Rokota Community in Edati Local Government Area of Niger State that will serve the homes of 3,000 people.

The project, slated for commissioning today, is the first to be implemented under the World Bank supported Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP). It will provide clean, safe and reliable electricity to an expected 3000 people in the community.

The NEP aims to provide clean, safe, reliable and affordable electricity to 300,000 homes and 30,000 local businesses in Nigeria through the provision of grant funding and technical assistance supported by the World Bank’s $350 million fund and another $200 million from the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Commending the initiative, the Village Head of Rokota community, Alhaji Adamu Mohammed Rokota, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and other stakeholders for deploying the solar hybrid mini-grid project.

The World Bank Nigeria Country Director, Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri, reiterated the bank’s commitment to promoting universal access to electricity. The Managing Director of PowerGen Renewable Energy Nigeria Limited, Mr. Alastair Smith, who implemented the project through a grant, said the firm delivered the project in two months.