Rural Electrification Agency, REA, Yobe State, solar mini-grid, renewable energy, hybrid mini-grid, electricity access, World Bank, President Bola Tinubu, clean energy, Nigeria energy transition, distributed renewable energy
The Federal Government has flagged off the construction of 13.92 megawatt-peak (MWp) interconnected hybrid solar mini-grid projects** across five strategic locations in Yobe State, marking another milestone in Nigeria’s drive to expand electricity access through decentralized renewable energy infrastructure.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, covered project sites in Damaturu, Bade, Nguru and Potiskum, with the initiative also providing 40 electricity distribution transformers to strengthen power distribution across the state.
Implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) with support from the World Bank, the projects form part of the Federal Government’s efforts to improve electricity supply, stimulate economic activities, reduce energy costs for businesses and households, and accelerate the country’s energy transition under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The interconnected hybrid mini-grid programme will deliver a 1.76MWp solar installation at Waziri Ibrahim Estate, Damaturu; a 2.98MWp system in Gashua, Bade Local Government Area; a 3.20MWp installation in Nguru; alongside two projects in Potiskum comprising a 3.20MWp plant at Yarimaram and a 2.78MWp facility at Rugan Fulani**.
Speaking at the ceremony, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni described the projects as another significant step in the state’s ongoing efforts to improve electricity access across public institutions, rural communities and educational facilities.
The governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the initiative and commended the Rural Electrification Agency for its sustained commitment to expanding energy access in the state.
According to him, the new solar mini-grid projects align with his administration’s infrastructure development agenda by providing reliable electricity capable of strengthening local industries, improving agricultural productivity and supporting broader socio-economic development.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, said the interconnected hybrid mini-grids were designed to integrate seamlessly with existing electricity distribution infrastructure, providing reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity to households, commercial centres and public institutions across the benefiting communities.
“We are not merely connecting communities to electricity. We are connecting them to opportunity. We are creating an environment where businesses can grow, young people can innovate, farmers can process more of what they produce, healthcare facilities can provide better services, and local economies can flourish,” Dr. Aliyu said.
Providing the background to the initiative, the REA chief noted that the projects were the outcome of a strategic partnership established between the Agency and the Yobe State Government in 2025.
According to him, the collaboration began with the REA–Yobe State Strategic Roundtable held on 26 June 2025 under the theme “Powering Yobe, Powering Growth: Unlocking Energy Access for Agriculture, Innovation, and Local Investment.” The engagement culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both parties to accelerate electricity access, attract private sector investment and unlock the state’s economic potential.
Dr. Aliyu said the groundbreaking ceremony demonstrates how sustained collaboration between the Federal Government, development partners and state governments can translate strategic commitments into impactful infrastructure projects.
Beyond the newly flagged-off 13.92MWp programme, he disclosed that the Rural Electrification Agency currently has 14 additional renewable energy projects under development across Yobe State with a combined installed capacity of 15.3MWp, expected to provide 23,870 new electricity connections.
The pipeline projects cover Jawur Katamma, Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Dibbwol, Dogonkuka, Malori, Turmi, Zangaya, Dole and Falimaran, as well as additional interconnected mini-grid developments in Gashua, Nguru, Rugan Fulani, Waziri Ibrahim and Yarimaram, with a combined capacity of 13.6MW.
The Yobe projects add to a growing portfolio of interconnected solar mini-grid developments being implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency across Nigeria to expand clean energy access and strengthen rural electrification. Recent projects include a 20MW mini-grid in Egume, Kogi State; a 1.5MW project in Pankshin, Plateau State; an 11.9MWp interconnected mini-grid in Ogu-Bolo, Rivers State; a 10MW project in Kofare, Adamawa State; and a 3.5MW mini-grid in Ambursa, Kebbi State.
The continued rollout of interconnected hybrid solar mini-grids reflects the Federal Government’s strategy of leveraging distributed renewable energy systems to close Nigeria’s electricity access gap, improve energy security, stimulate rural economic development and support inclusive, low-carbon growth.
