The Federal Government has commenced the construction of a 3.5-megawatt solar mini-grid in Kebbi State as part of efforts to improve electricity supply and expand access to renewable energy across the country.
The project, which is being executed by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), is valued at more than 10 million US dollars and is expected to be completed within eight months.
The solar facility will be situated in Ambursa town on land provided by the Kebbi State Government for the project.
Once completed, the mini-grid is expected to supply electricity to about 1,500 households as well as key public infrastructure, including the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the REA, Abba Aliyu, disclosed that the project would include the installation of more than 5,000 solar photovoltaic panels.
He also revealed plans by the agency to deploy an additional 15 isolated solar mini-grids across Gwandu, Yauri, Bagudo, Koko/Besse and Shanga Local Government Areas of the state.
“We are committing a total investment of over 10 million US dollars to deploy the solar farm, including the installation of over 5,000 solar photovoltaic panels, 5 megawatts of battery storage, rehabilitation of 30 distribution transformers, construction of more than three kilometres of distribution lines, and deployment of over 10 inverters,” Aliyu said.
He explained that the Ambursa solar project represents only the first phase of a broader intervention planned for Kebbi State.
“Your Excellency, this project is a demonstration, not a strategy. We did not come to Kebbi State to break ground on just one project. Alongside this interconnected mini-grid, the Rural Electrification Agency is developing an additional 15 isolated mini-grids across the state,” he added.
The project contractor, Elias Estelly, said the facility would consist of approximately 5,000 solar panels supported by 10 hybrid inverters, each with a capacity of 350 kilowatts.
He noted that three backup generators, each rated at 650KVA, would also be installed to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during periods of low solar generation.
According to Estelly, the combination of solar panels, battery storage and backup generators would provide dependable electricity for residents and institutions connected to the system.
“With this system, we can ensure power availability for at least 20 hours daily,” he said.
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris described the initiative as a significant milestone in improving electricity access across the state.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the project, saying it would positively impact critical sectors such as healthcare, education and public service delivery.
The governor also pledged the state government’s continued partnership with development agencies and private investors to improve electricity infrastructure.
He assured the Rural Electrification Agency that host communities would take responsibility for protecting the project against vandalism.
The Kebbi solar mini-grid forms part of the Federal Government’s 750-million-dollar renewable energy programme supported by the World Bank.
The nationwide initiative aims to deploy more than 250 interconnected mini-grids while expanding electricity access to an estimated 17.5 million Nigerians.
