The Nigerian Government has commenced the installation of a 3.5-megawatt (MW) solar farm in Ambursa, Kebbi State, as part of efforts to expand access to reliable electricity in the state.
The project is expected to generate 3.5MW of electricity, supplying power to about 1,500 households.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Ambursa, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Dr Abba Abubakar Aliyu, said the project includes the construction of a three-kilometre electricity distribution network.
Dr Aliyu said 31 transformers along the distribution network would be refurbished, while more than 5,000 solar home systems, equipped with batteries and inverters, would be installed.
He explained that solar-powered street lights would also be provided to enhance public lighting across the community.
According to the REA Managing Director, the Federal Government has earmarked six million US dollars as a subsidy for the project, while the developer will provide an additional six million US dollars in counterpart funding.
He said the project is expected to be completed within eight months.
Dr Aliyu explained that the initiative was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing electricity shortages in communities without access to the national grid and improving the reliability of power supply in underserved areas.
In his remarks, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris commended President Tinubu for supporting rural electrification through funding provided to the Rural Electrification Agency.
The Governor described solar energy as an important complement to conventional electricity supply, saying it would improve access to reliable power for residents.
He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to partnering with the Federal Government to deliver development projects that would improve the lives of the people of Kebbi State.
Governor Idris also urged residents and beneficiaries to safeguard the infrastructure against vandalism and tampering to ensure the long-term sustainability of the project.
