The Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) has signed a grant agreement which targets provision of off-grid power to approximately 7,747 customers in Jigawa, Nasarawa States of Nigeria.
The signing of the grant agreement involved two mini-grid developers, ACOB Lighting Tech. Ltd and Offgrid Electric Ltd.
The developers meet the stringent prerequisites for participation under the Minimum Subsidy Tender (MST) sub-component, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under the leadership of Engineer Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad.
This agreement aims to transform the and boost the off-grid power generation in Jigawa and Nasarawa States, respectively.
The Head of NEP’s Project Management Unit Mr. Abba Aliyu, during the signing ceremony, in Abuja, the nation’s capital expressed optimism about the agreement’s positive impact.
According to him, “the signing of the grant agreement commits the developers to deliver within the stipulated timeframe. We anticipate them delivering the quality and quantity enshrined in the contract within the agreed period.”
Mr. Aliyu also urged developers to leverage on the opportunities presented by MST projects to create a linkage by promoting productive use of equipment within communities in these two States.
He emphasised that creating a nexus between the Minimum Subsidy Tender (MST) and PUE, both funded by the AfDB, will enhance the sustainability of mini-grids and further facilitate rapid socio-economic development in communities, aligning with the project’s objectives.
For his part, the CEO of ACOB Lighting Tech. Ltd, Mr. Alexander Obiechina, the CEO of expressed gratitude and firm commitment to fulfilling all contractual obligations.
“This is a significant achievement for us. The location and proximity of this project to Abuja give us very high visibility. We hope the cooperation we’ve received from you will remain sustained.” he expressed.
Managing Director, Offgrid Electric Limited ,Khalis Muhammed, speaking on the successful signing of the agreement, projected that with careful management of the facility, the lifespan of the project, would experience quality longevity up to 20 years or more.
“By God’s grace, we’ll deliver within the deadline and build something with a lasting and sustainable impact for the next 20 years and beyond.”
Benefits of the Agreement
Approximately, over 7,747 customers across various localities in these States will gain access to an estimated 3,454Kv PV capacity, promising more sustainable and reliable energy sources.
With an average daily load of 9,044kWh/day and 4,633kWh/day for Jigawa and Nasarawa States, respectively, the project targets to deploy hybrid mini-grid solutions across 21 sites in Jigawa State managed by Offgrid Electric Ltd and 5 sites in Nasarawa State managed by ACOB Lighting Tech. Ltd.
The NEP, through such collaborations, remains steadfast in its mission of fostering sustainable and inclusive electrification, paving the way for progress and a brighter future for communities in Jigawa and Nasarawa States.
