FG unveils 581kWp solar mini-grid in Kwara

More than 13,000 residents and 23 businesses in the Oke-Oyi area of Kwara State now have access to reliable electricity, thanks to the recent commissioning of a 581kWp solar mini-grid by the Federal Government. The project was carried out by Nayo Tropical Technologies Limited, under the Rural Electrification Fund–Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme (REF-IMAS), and was supported by the European Union and German Cooperation via GIZ.

The facility, comprising 1,336 solar panels, 84 batteries, 10 kilometers of distribution cables, and transformers, has already started transforming residents' livelihoods and the economic opportunities in the community. Speaking at the commissioning, Federal Minister of Power, Chief Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, emphasized the importance of electrification in improving lives and creating opportunities: "The purpose of electrification is ultimately to improve lives and create opportunities.

What we are commissioning today in Oke-Oyi is an investment in the productive capacity of the community."

Founder and CEO of Nayo Tropical Technologies, Okenwa Anayo Nas, revealed that 180 households have already been energized, with plans to expand coverage to 2,200 households. The company has also extended electricity to over five schools and several health facilities. The mini-grid is powering 23 small and medium-scale businesses, and the company is working with the community to establish agro-processing cooperatives.

Neyo Tropical Technologies' development has resulted in significant cost savings for both businesses and households. Previously, businesses spent about N200,000 monthly on diesel, while households spent under N6,000 monthly on electricity. Now, businesses spend less than N50,000 monthly, and average household expenditure is around N300 per kilowatt-hour, with daytime costs at approximately N150 and nighttime costs at around N160.

The Managing Director and CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar Aliyu, highlighted the economic value of the project beyond its physical infrastructure, stating that the emergence of new businesses is a testament to the project's impact. Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy, Dr. Karin Jansen, emphasized the importance of collaboration between government, development partners, private-sector developers, and host communities, and suggested that lessons from Oke-Oyi could guide the deployment of more interconnected mini-grids across Nigeria.

IBEDC Chief Commercial Officer, North, Dr. Ademola Adewumi, discussed the importance of integrating the mini-grid into the existing distribution network to enhance reliability while supporting businesses and productive activities in the community.