The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has officially inaugurated a 440kWp interconnected mini-grid to enhance electricity access in Etomi, Agbokim, Abia, and Bendeghe communities in Etung Local Government Area, Cross River State, southern Nigeria.
The announcement was made in Abuja by Ngozi Chimdi-Ejiogu, Director of the Rural Electrification Fund, who represented the Managing Director of REA at the commissioning event.
The milestone project, implemented under the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS), is part of a €9.3 million in-kind grant initiative funded by the European Union and supported by German Cooperation, aimed at expanding sustainable energy solutions in rural areas.
He explained that the project is not just about infrastructure but to empower communities of Etomi, Agbokim, Abia, and Bendeghe with the transformative power of sustainable energy.
“This mini-grid will enhance local economic activities, support small businesses, improve education and healthcare services, and ultimately uplift the quality of life for the residents of these communities.
“The mini-grid is a major step toward reducing reliance on harmful energy sources like kerosene, diesel, and firewood, offering a renewable energy solution to local households and businesses.“
He further explained that the initiative aims to accelerate the development of Nigeria’s interconnected mini-grid market and provide clean energy access to 125,000 beneficiaries.
“The project will provide reliable, clean, and sustainable energy to these underserved communities, significantly contributing to their socio-economic development.“
In his address, the Governor of Cross River State, Basset Otu, expressed his deep appreciation for the project, emphasizing its potential to transform the socio-economic landscape of the state. Prince Otu stated,
“This mini-grid project is a landmark achievement for Cross River State. It not only provides access to sustainable energy for the communities of Etomi, Agbokim, Abia, and Bendeghe but also opens doors to numerous opportunities for growth and development.
“The Cross River State Government is committed to supporting further initiatives like this as we work towards ensuring that every community in the state has access to reliable and affordable electricity.
“By doing so, he explained that these communities can fully capitalize on the opportunities the mini-grid offers and become models of self-sufficiency and economic growth in the region,“ he said.
Otu emphasized the importance of integrating the mini-grid project into the e-HEART framework and assured the communities of continued government support to expand energy access and drive long-term development in Cross River State.
Darway Coast Limited, the project developer, expressed their pride in being part of this transformative project: “We are honored to be involved in bringing sustainable energy solutions to the communities of Etomi, Agbokim, Abia, and Bendeghe.
The successful implementation of this mini-grid, he said, is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation.
“At Darway Coast Limited, we believe in the potential of renewable energy to drive positive change, and we are thrilled to have contributed to the development of a solution that will enhance the quality of life in these communities.
“This project not only provides reliable electricity but also opens up new opportunities for economic development and social progress.”
Representative from the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC), Augustine Obinna, said in a mining context their perspective on the project’s significance, saying, “We are proud to have been part of this journey, ensuring the seamless integration of the mini-grid into the national grid.”
The REA is also collaborating with the Cross River State government to explore further opportunities for decentralized energy solutions, including additional mini-grids and solar power systems, to expand energy access throughout the state.
The Rural Electrification Agency has reaffirmed its commitment to improving energy access across Nigeria, particularly in rural and underserved communities. By expanding renewable energy solutions such as this mini-grid project, the REA is working to bridge the energy gap, reduce poverty, and contribute to Nigeria’s long-term sustainable development.
The REA is the Implementing Agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) under the Federal Ministry of Power tasked with the electrification of unserved and underserved communities to catalyze economic growth and improve quality of life for Nigerians.
The agency was established under Part IX, Sections 88–89 of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA), 2005.
The REA is currently implementing the Rural Electrification Fund (REF), Capital Projects, Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES), Solar Power Naija (SPN), Energizing Education Programme (EEP), Energizing Economies Initiative (EEI), Energizing Agriculture Programme (EAP), Energy for All—Mass Rural Electrification, and Research and Innovation Hub. Africa Mini Grids Programme (AMP), Derisking Sustainable Off-Grid Lighting Solutions (DSOLS), the Korean Energy Project, Healthcare, Education, Agriculture, Rural Development, and Transportation (e-HEART), and the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP).
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