FG, REA begin 17.7MW Ibadan Mini-Grid Project, target 20 hours of daily electricity supply

The Federal Government, through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), has officially inaugurated a 17.7MW interconnected mini-grid project in Ibadan, Oyo State. Developed by Paras Energy & Natural Resources Development Limited, the project aims to provide additional power to the Bola, Jiboye, Ogo-Oluwa, Molade-Adelubi, and Sooko Elega communities within the Iwo Road area.

Upon completion, the mini-grid is expected to deliver at least 20 hours of daily electricity supply to the communities, significantly improving their access to reliable electricity.

Minister of Power, Mr Joseph Tegbe, highlighted the government's commitment to increasing electricity availability and improving supply reliability, stating that the project directly translates into economic opportunities for Nigerians. The Ibadan project is part of a broader strategy by the Federal Government to complement improvements in the national grid with decentralized generation solutions.

The REA has been actively involved in implementing interconnected mini-grid projects across Nigeria, with previous groundbreakings in Pankshin, Plateau State; Kofare, Mbamba, and Saminaka in Adamawa State.

The project's success relies on the installation of 18 new transformers to bolster electricity distribution within the beneficiary communities, alongside additional 17.7MW of projects targeting strategic institutions and economic centers in Ibadan. The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, praised the intervention for its potential to positively impact businesses, households, and livelihoods in the region.

Paras Energy & Natural Resources Development Limited's Managing Director, Yashwant Kumar, emphasized the transformative impact of reliable electricity on the community.