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The Federal Government has commenced the construction of four solar hybrid mini-grid projects in Rivers State aimed at providing reliable electricity to more than 13,400 households, businesses and public institutions across the state.
The projects, with a combined generation capacity of 11.9 megawatts peak (MWp), are being executed by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) Programme with funding support from the World Bank.
Beneficiary communities include Bolo/Wakama, Gokana/Khana, Ogu/ChukuAma and Onne, where the projects are expected to boost electricity access, stimulate economic activities and improve social services.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, described the initiative as a testament to the productive collaboration between the Federal Government and Rivers State in expanding access to clean and sustainable energy.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, the governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for extending the benefits of the Renewed Hope Agenda to Rivers State through strategic investments in renewable energy infrastructure.
Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Dr. Abba Aliyu, said the projects reaffirm the Federal Government's commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind in the nation's drive toward universal electricity access.
He explained that the mini-grids would provide clean, affordable and reliable electricity capable of boosting businesses, strengthening healthcare and educational services, creating jobs and improving the quality of life in the benefiting communities.
Aliyu noted that while Rivers State has long powered Nigeria through its oil and gas resources, it is now positioning itself as a major player in renewable energy development.
He disclosed that the agency has already completed 16 renewable energy projects across Rivers State, delivering over 11.5MW of clean energy and providing electricity to more than 14,300 households and businesses.
According to him, the REA's flagship 10.5MW solar hybrid power plant at the University of Port Harcourt has also been completed and is awaiting commissioning.
He added that the latest mini-grid projects align with President Tinubu's vision of building a $1 trillion Nigerian economy, stressing that stable electricity remains critical to industrialisation, enterprise growth and inclusive economic development.
The Amanyanabo of Bolo Kingdom, His Royal Highness Acheseinimie Micah Frank, commended the Federal Government, the Rivers State Government and the Rural Electrification Agency for bringing the project to his community, describing it as a major boost for local economic development.
According to the monarch, reliable electricity will create new business opportunities, improve productivity and support the livelihoods of residents, particularly those engaged in the fishing industry, which remains the backbone of the local economy.
Earlier during a visit to the Government House, Governor Fubara praised REA Managing Director, Dr. Abba Aliyu, for the agency's performance, saying the results of its interventions demonstrate that Nigeria's electricity challenges can be overcome with effective leadership and sound policy decisions.
The governor also assured the agency and its development partners of the Rivers State Government's commitment to providing a conducive environment for investments that will accelerate sustainable development across the state.
