The Federal Government has flagged off the construction of a 20-megawatt mini-grid power project in Egume, located in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, as part of ongoing efforts to improve electricity access and stimulate economic development in rural communities.
The groundbreaking ceremony was performed on Friday by the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, during a series of events that also saw the commissioning of two additional mini-grid power projects in Kogi East.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Lizzy Okoji.
The newly launched Egume project is expected to become the largest mini-grid power installation in North Central Nigeria upon completion.
In addition to the Egume project, government officials commissioned a 700-kilowatt mini-grid facility in Offa Community, Olamaboro Local Government Area, as well as a 400-kilowatt mini-grid project in Emewe Efopa Community, located in Dekina Local Government Area.
According to Audu, the three projects are part of a broader investment package valued at more than 100 million dollars and are designed to expand electricity access, support economic activities and improve living conditions across Kogi State.
He explained that the projects align with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda under the administration of President Bola Tinubu and are intended to bring tangible development benefits to underserved communities.
The minister said the projects are being implemented under the Ministry of Power through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), describing them as evidence of the administration’s commitment to delivering infrastructure and development at the grassroots level.
Speaking at the event, Audu highlighted the importance of the “Light Up Kogi” initiative, a programme he said is focused on increasing access to dependable electricity, enhancing security, boosting local businesses and improving overall quality of life across Kogi East and other parts of the state.
He noted that the groundbreaking ceremony coincided with the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration and represented another milestone in the government’s efforts to improve critical infrastructure nationwide.
“The projects also serve as a call for the people of Kogi State to come out in their numbers to vote for the re-election of President Tinubu in 2027, while assuring the President of a resounding victory in the state.
“Today is a good day for Igala land. The groundbreaking of this 20-megawatt project, the largest mini-grid power project in North Central Nigeria, demonstrates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the development of our people.
“Through our engagements with the Rural Electrification Agency and the Federal Ministry of Power, we have secured over 40 mini-grid electrification projects across the nine local government areas of Igala land. In the coming months, communities across the region will begin to witness the benefits of these interventions,” Audu stated.
The minister further revealed that the Federal Government, working alongside the World Bank through the Rural Electrification Agency, had secured close to 100 million dollars in funding for mini-grid power projects across communities in Igala land.
He urged residents and community leaders to support the implementation process by cooperating with government officials and project developers to ensure successful delivery of the projects.
According to Audu, reliable electricity remains one of the most important drivers of economic growth, industrial development and social progress.
He explained that improved power supply would encourage business expansion, strengthen healthcare delivery, improve educational services, boost security and create employment opportunities for local residents.
The minister also expressed gratitude to the Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, for approving the projects and supporting efforts to expand electricity access in the region.
He further commended the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Alhaji Abba Abubakar Aliyu, for providing technical expertise and institutional support toward the successful execution of the initiatives.
Audu additionally acknowledged the contributions of traditional rulers, community leaders, stakeholders and residents of Egume, Offa and Emewe Efopa communities for their cooperation and support throughout the planning stages.
Speaking at the event, REA Managing Director Abba Abubakar Aliyu praised the minister for his commitment to attracting federal development projects to Kogi State, particularly within Kogi East.
Aliyu described Audu as an effective representative of the state at the Federal Executive Council whose sustained engagement had helped attract strategic energy investments to the region.
“The Minister has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the development of his people. Through his efforts, about 29 megawatts of renewable energy projects have been attracted to Kogi State, with nearly 20 megawatts located within Igala land. The projects will deliver reliable and affordable electricity to homes, businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities, creating new economic opportunities for the people,” he said.
The REA boss disclosed that the Egume mini-grid project would occupy more than five hectares of land and would be integrated with existing power infrastructure to ensure sustainable electricity supply.
He expressed confidence that construction would be completed within six months and encouraged residents to prepare for the economic opportunities expected to emerge from improved energy access.
On behalf of traditional institutions in the area, the Ejeh of Dekina, His Royal Majesty Alhaji (Dr.) Usman Obaje, expressed appreciation to the minister for facilitating the project and bringing significant development to the region.
The monarch described the initiative as a major boost for Igala land and pledged continued support for government programmes aimed at improving the welfare of the people.
