Two Nigerian states plan mini‑grid projects to electrify 33,262 homes

The governments of Kaduna and Adamawa states have issued Certificates of Occupancy (C of Os) for key mini‑grid project sites being developed by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

This approval marks a significant step toward expanding energy access and deploying renewable power in the two states.

The sites are part of the Federal Government’s Rural Electrification Agency Minimum Subsidy Tender (MST) programme.

Because the certificates were granted within hours of discussions with REA, the move highlights both states’ commitment to infrastructure deployment, private sector involvement, and the removal of administrative delays that often stall projects.

Abba Aliyu, managing director of the REA, praised the governors for their swift and proactive leadership. He said the decisive actions send a strong signal to investors, developers, and financiers that the states are ready to support large‑scale electrification initiatives.

Daily Post reports that the MST programme is a key framework under the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP). It is designed to accelerate electrification in pre‑selected, underserved communities with strong economic growth potential through a competitive, private‑sector‑led tender process.

Under this framework, REA identifies, verifies, and sensitises communities while developers compete for the capital grant support needed to install sustainable mini‑grid infrastructure.

The programme is being rolled out in phases, with the first phase prioritising over 163 sites across several states, including Abia, Anambra, Bauchi, Cross River, Kano, Niger, Ondo, Ogun, Plateau, and Kebbi.

To improve operational efficiency, encourage economies of scale, and strengthen long‑term sustainability, sites are grouped into state‑based lots. The programme aims to deploy roughly 213.436 MWp of solar PV capacity across participating communities.

In Kaduna State, land titles were secured for the Trapco site in Chikun LGA, which targets 3,100 projected connections with a 2.0 MWp capacity, and the Makarfi 1 site in Makarfi LGA, aiming for 4,000 projected connections with a 4.0 MWp capacity.

In Adamawa State, Certificates of Occupancy were issued for three major interconnected mini‑grid sites currently under development. These include Kofare in Yola South LGA, which features 19,220 projected connections and an 8.0 MWp solar capacity; Mbamba in Yola South LGA, with 2,282 projected connections and a 0.8 MWp capacity; and Saminaka in Fufore LGA, offering 4,660 projected connections and a 2.5 MWp capacity.