Tegbe Commissions 581kWp Solar Mini-Grid, 1.4MW Battery System in Kwara
The Minister of Power, Mr Joseph Tegbe, has commissioned a 581kWp interconnected solar mini-grid with a 1.4MW battery energy storage system in Oke-Oyi, Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The project is expected to provide reliable electricity to about 1,800 households and businesses in the community, with the battery storage capacity enabling the mini-grid to supply power beyond daylight hours.
The project was delivered under the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS), with support from the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), the European Union, the Federal Republic of Germany through GIZ and other development partners, including UNICEF.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Tegbe described the IMAS initiative as a model for effective international partnership, saying it combines public funding with private-sector investment to develop sustainable electricity solutions.
He said the scheme was designed to establish clear market rules, attract private developers and promote long-term commercial viability rather than dependence on perpetual government subsidies.
The Minister said the project demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding reliable electricity access to underserved communities as part of its broader energy transition and universal access agenda.
The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) said the Oke-Oyi project demonstrated how interconnected mini-grids could combine distributed renewable energy with existing electricity distribution networks to improve power supply, attract private investment and stimulate economic activities.
He said the agency was focused on scaling up similar projects through stronger financing, regulatory and institutional frameworks, while ensuring commercial viability, proper maintenance and community ownership.
The REA chief executive acknowledged the contributions of the Federal Ministry of Power, Kwara State Government, development partners, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) and Nayo Tropical Technologies Ltd. to the successful delivery of the project.
Representing the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, commended the Federal Government for the impact of its power sector reforms across the state.
Danladi-Salihu said improved electricity supply was not only benefiting urban centres but was also extending to rural communities.
“As the Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly and being from a rural area, we understand the importance of electricity in taming rural-urban migration,” he said.
He commended Tegbe for supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and for prioritising electricity access in rural communities.
In his remarks, Tegbe urged residents of Oke-Oyi to protect the newly commissioned facilities from vandalism and other forms of criminal interference.
He described the project as an investment in the community and future generations, stressing that its sustainability depended partly on the commitment of residents to protect the infrastructure.
“As we energise this community, we are also energising businesses, creating opportunities, empowering young people, improving livelihoods, and building a more resilient future for Nigeria,” Tegbe said.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for pursuing reforms aimed at building a stronger, more reliable and sustainable electricity sector.
The Oke-Oyi mini-grid is expected to strengthen electricity access for households and businesses while supporting local economic activities and reducing reliance on conventional sources of power.
The project adds to the growing portfolio of rural and off-grid electrification initiatives being implemented under the Renewed Hope Agenda as the Federal Government works to expand electricity access, strengthen energy security and promote cleaner energy solutions across the country.
