- $750 million DARES programme backs interconnected mini-grids to expand clean energy access nationwide
- Projects expected to power businesses, schools, healthcare facilities and critical public infrastructure
The Federal Government has commenced the implementation of 42 renewable energy projects across Adamawa and Kebbi States, adding more than 30.5 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity generation as Nigeria accelerates efforts to expand energy access, reduce energy poverty and strengthen rural economic development through distributed renewable energy.
The projects comprise 39 mini-grid developments in Adamawa State and a 3.5MW solar power project in Kebbi State, being implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under the Federal Government’s rural electrification programme.
In Adamawa, the Federal Government officially flagged off three interconnected mini-grids and 36 isolated mini-grid systems under the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) Programme, with a combined installed capacity of nearly 27MW.
The interconnected projects are located in Kofare (10MW), Saminaka (2.6MW) and Mbamba (890kW) and are expected to provide reliable electricity to approximately 40,000 households and businesses, while supplying power to about 6,000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across communities including Gulak, Michika, Shuwa, Bazza, Belel, Ganye, Song, Hong, Mubi and Guyuk.
More than 100 public institutions, including schools, healthcare facilities and water infrastructure, are also expected to benefit from the programme.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe described the projects as a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving universal electricity access under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the mini-grids represent one of the largest decentralised renewable energy deployments undertaken within a single Nigerian state and are designed to complement the national grid while attracting greater private sector investment into renewable energy.
He said the projects would improve livelihoods by providing reliable electricity to homes and productive enterprises, reducing dependence on petrol and diesel generators while supporting job creation and local economic growth.
“Behind every connection is more than a meter. It is a family whose quality of life will improve, a child whose education will be enhanced, an entrepreneur whose business will expand, and a community whose future will become brighter,” Tegbe said.
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri described the initiative as a strategic intervention against energy poverty, noting that the investment would unlock new opportunities for economic development and attract additional private investment into the state’s renewable energy sector.
Fintiri said the projects originated from discussions held during the REA’s State-by-State Investment Roundtable in 2025, where Adamawa presented itself as an investment destination by offering incentives including land, concessional financing and credit guarantees.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Abubakar Aliyu said the programme demonstrates the agency’s commitment to ensuring that underserved communities are not left behind in Nigeria’s energy transition.
According to him, the long-term success of the projects would be measured not only by the 27MW of electricity deployed, but by the businesses created, farms mechanised, schools transformed, healthcare services improved and livelihoods enhanced through reliable electricity access.
Meanwhile, in Kebbi State, Governor Nasir Idris flagged off construction of a 3.5MW solar power plant alongside a 33kV power infrastructure project in Ambursa.
The solar project, which will include battery energy storage systems capable of supplying electricity after sunset, is expected to improve electricity reliability across the state while supporting businesses and critical public infrastructure, including the Ahmadu Bello International Airport.
Speaking at the ceremony, REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu disclosed that President Tinubu had approved a $750 million financing facility to support interconnected mini-grid projects nationwide under the DARES Programme.
He said approximately $10 million would be invested in the Kebbi project, which is expected to provide electricity to more than 1,000 households while improving power supply for strategic government infrastructure.
Chief Executive Officer of Kobeissi Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Ltd., Ali Kobeissi assured stakeholders that construction would be completed within eight months, while calling on host communities to support successful implementation.
The projects form part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to expand renewable energy deployment, deepen private sector participation in rural electrification, reduce reliance on fossil-fuel generators and improve access to affordable, reliable electricity across underserved communities
