The Federal Government has renewed its commitment to ensuring that Nigerians, especially those in rural areas, are provided with electricity for a more meaningful life.
Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, made this known on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at the commissioning of a 990kwp solar hybrid mini grid that would benefit about 3,900 households at Lambata community in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to him, it is the determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that all Nigeria’s rural areas are illuminated with electricity either by the grid or renewable power option.
He said that President Tinubu’s commitment towards energising the country is demonstrated with his participation in the World Bank and African Development Bank (AfDB)’s Energy Summit to make electricity available to 300 million Africans by the year 2030.
“This commitment resonates strongly with the discussions at the recent Africa Energy Summit in Tanzania, specifically during the M3OO initiative. In Tanzania, we committed to drive transformative change in the energy sector across the continent.
“Nigeria, under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is leading by example. Our participation in the M3OO and the presentation of Nigeria’s Energy Compact highlighted our dedication to scaling up renewable energy solutions and ensuring energy security.
President Tinubu’s administration recognises that energy is the bedrock of economic growth and social progress. His leadership has emphasised the need for strategic investments in sustainable energy infrastructure, particularly in underserved rural communities,” Adelabu said.
He expressed the gratitude of the Federal Government to the government of Germany and the European Union (EU), and the GIZ, for their, cooperation, collaboration and partnerships in making the project a reality.
“Furthermore, this project underscores the importance of international cooperation and knowledge exchange with the government of Nigeria and its development partners. The Ministry of Power and its agencies remain committed to working with EU, the German Government and other development partners to further advance progressive strides in the sector,” Adelabu stated, even as he promised the development partners that, henceforth, funded projects under his watch would be effectively monitored and fully delivered without questions.
“I have a word of encouragement for you here today, particularly all our stakeholders here. I assure all our development partners, especially, the EU, the German Government and the GIZ that we are initiating and institutionalising a framework to ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of all funded projects to ensure that the desired outcomes are achieved and devoted resources are effectively utilised. I want to assure GIZ that whatever has been our experience in terms of hiccups and obstacles at executing our funded projects have been a thing of the past. I can assure you that under my administration, it will never happen again. It is a new dawn, I can assure you of that,” he said.
He also admonished the development partners not to relent in their efforts towards the infrastructural development of Nigeria as the country has become the focus of the entire world in its development.
“It is a common saying that if you move fast, you move alone. But if you want to move very far, you move together. I want to thank the EU, the German Government and GIZ that together, we are going to move very far. The name of the game today is collaboration, partnership, and cooperation. The world today has become a global village, and all eyes are now on Nigeria on its development, and we must continue to move and work together,” he said.
He expressed his joy and happiness over the new project
“It gives me immense pleasure to stand before you today as we gather to mark the commissioning of a 990kWp interconnected mini-grid here in Lamabata, Gurara LGA, Niger State through the support of the German Government and the European Union to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our journey towards achieving universal energy access in Nigeria and a testament to our unwavering commitment to the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS) implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Power. This project is not just about installing solar panels and connecting wires; it’s about illuminating lives, powering businesses, and fostering sustainable development in this vibrant community.
“The ripple effects of this mini-grid will be profound. It will enhance agricultural productivity, support local enterprises, improve educational outcomes, and bolster healthcare services. By providing reliable and clean energy, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future for the people of Lamabata.
“President Tinubu’s administration recognises that energy is the bedrock of economic growth and social progress. His leadership has emphasized the need for strategic investments in sustainable energy infrastructure, particularly in underserved rural communities. This mini-grid in Lamabata is a direct outcome of this vision. It exemplifies our commitment to decentralizing energy generation and promoting the use of renewable resources.
“The successful implementation of this project is a testament to the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, including, the management and staff of REA, the community leaders, project developers, and government agencies. I commend the dedication and hard work that have brought us to this momentous occasion,” Adelabu said.
He disclosed that, more than before, Nigeria today has a vibrant power sector, which is being used to drive other sectors of the economy.
“President Tinubu is using the power sector to drive the other sectors of the economy be it education, and all other sectors, because there is practically nothing we can do without power.”
He called on the REA to replicate what it did in Lambata all over the country.
“Let us replicate the feat we have achieved here in all our rural communities. Every rural community deserves this. The opportunity is huge, and all eyes are on us as a nation. There is nothing we need that God has not provided for us in Nigeria to make a breakthrough in the area of Power. We have good sunshine, we have the coastal wind, we have the desert wind. The Lagos-Calabar highway will open up so many opportunities in these areas and so will the Badagry-Sokoto highway will open up our dams for use by the communities around these highways. These are good opportunities for us to utilise these God given natural resources to develop our country,” the Minister said.
He also commended the Niger State Government for being host to about 95 percent of the nation’s hydro power plants.
“Niger State is what I call the power state. They are host to 95 percent of our hydro power plants. These include Jebba, Kainji, Shiroro and the new Zungeru power plant,” he said.
He added: “As we benefit from the power of this mini grid, let us remember that this is another step in our ongoing journey. We will continue to work tirelessly to expand energy access to every corner of Nigeria, ensuring that no community is left behind.
He also charged the Lambata community to protect the project against vandals by keeping an eagle eye on it and also keep their little financial commitment in keeping it running.
“In conclusion, I want to reiterate President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape. We are building a nation where every citizen has access to clean, affordable, and reliable energy. This mini-grid in Lamabata is a shining example of what we can achieve when we work together.”
Among those who witnessed the commissioning were the Deputy Ambassador of Germany to Nigeria, Mr. Johannes Lennes; the Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Massive De Lucg; the Managing Director of the REA, Abba Aliyu; and a host of Niger State Government officials.