FG to Launch $500m Niger Delta Agricultural Investment Fund to Drive

The Federal Government has commenced the development of four solar hybrid mini-grid projects in Rivers State to provide reliable electricity to 13,492 households, businesses and public institutions.

The projects, with a combined generation capacity of 11.9 megawatts (MW), are being implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) Programme with support from the World Bank.

The beneficiary communities include Bolo/Wakama, Gokana/Khana, Ogu/ChukuAma and Onne.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, represented by Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, described the initiative as a testament to the collaboration between the Federal Government and the Rivers State Government in expanding access to electricity.

She commended President Bola Tinubu for extending the benefits of the Renewed Hope Agenda to Rivers State through investments in renewable energy infrastructure.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, said the projects demonstrate the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that underserved communities have access to clean, reliable and affordable electricity.

According to him, the mini-grids will support businesses, improve healthcare and education services, create jobs and enhance the livelihoods of residents in the beneficiary communities.

Aliyu noted that although Rivers State has long contributed to Nigeria’s energy security through oil and gas production, the state is now positioning itself as a leader in renewable energy development.

He disclosed that the REA has already completed 16 renewable energy projects across Rivers State, delivering more than 11.5MW of installed clean energy capacity and providing electricity to over 14,300 households and businesses.

Aliyu also announced that the agency’s 10.5MW solar hybrid power plant at the University of Port Harcourt has been completed and is awaiting commissioning.

He explained that the latest mini-grid projects support President Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy, stressing that reliable electricity remains critical to industrialisation, enterprise development and inclusive economic growth.

Also speaking, the Amanyanabo of Bolo Kingdom, His Royal Highness Acheseinimie Micah Frank, welcomed the project, describing it as a transformative investment that will improve productivity, create economic opportunities and support the fishing-based economy of the community.

Earlier, Governor Fubara assured the Rural Electrification Agency and its partners of the state’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for investments, noting that Nigeria’s electricity challenges can be addressed through effective leadership and strategic investments.