Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has launched the construction of a mini-grid project in Egume, located in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, as part of efforts to expand electricity access in rural communities. The project is designed to improve energy supply reliability and support local development through decentralized renewable energy systems.
The mini-grid is expected to deliver more than 8,100 electricity connections and provide up to 20 megawatts of peak power capacity to over 21,000 residents. It is being implemented under the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) program, which focuses on expanding clean and reliable electricity access in underserved areas across Nigeria.
According to the Rural Electrification Agency, the project is expected to enhance economic activities in the region, particularly in agriculture and small-scale agro-processing. Improved electricity access is anticipated to support the production and processing of key crops such as cassava, rice, yam, cowpea, and palm oil, while also strengthening health and education services.
The DARES program, under which the project is being developed, is a $750 million initiative backed by the World Bank. It aims to provide new or improved electricity access to approximately 17.5 million Nigerians, building on earlier electrification programs such as the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP).
The launch comes amid a rapid expansion of decentralized solar and mini-grid solutions in Nigeria, which are increasingly becoming the backbone of rural electrification. Recent industry data shows significant growth in installed solar capacity, driven largely by off-grid and mini-grid systems.
Despite ongoing progress, access to grid electricity remains a major challenge, with more than 40 percent of Nigerians still lacking reliable electricity, particularly in rural regions. The government continues to prioritize decentralized renewable energy solutions as a key strategy for closing the energy access gap and supporting inclusive economic growth.
