In a move to expand rural electrification, the Nigerian government has commissioned a 40kWp solar hybrid mini-grid in Abuja’s Rafinzurufi Community. This project, spearheaded by the Rural Electrification Agency, demonstrates the government’s commitment to delivering clean and reliable electricity to underserved communities.
Solar Hybrid Mini-Grid: Driving Socio-Economic Transformation in Rural Areas
The project, located in the Gwagwalada Area Council within the Federal Capital Territory, was officially inaugurated on Saturday. Implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under its Rural Electrification Fund’s Call 2 programme, the initiative reflects the government’s goal of driving socio-economic transformation. The REA aims to ensure that no community is left behind in receiving essential infrastructure, particularly access to electricity.
Speaking at the commissioning event, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, was represented by her Special Adviser, Michael Bawa. She highlighted the project’s expected impact on the Rafinzurufi Community, emphasizing that sustainable electricity is a catalyst for economic growth and social development. “Beyond the illumination of a vibrant community such as Rafinzurfi, there is no doubt that the men, women, and children in this community will now experience socio-economic transformation like never before. Electricity is a catalyst, and access to sustainable electricity creates opportunities and possibilities for previously unconnected citizens,” Dr. Mahmoud stated.
Maintaining the Mini-Grid
Doris Uboh, Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund, emphasized the importance of reasonable tariffs for the solar power project’s sustainability. She explained that while the project was heavily funded, providing free electricity would be unsustainable. Instead, residents will pay a reasonable tariff to help them grow their businesses and maintain the infrastructure.
To ensure the project’s longevity, Uboh announced plans to establish a Rural Electrification Cooperative Society. Comprising members from the Rafinzurufi Community, the cooperative will receive training to handle minor maintenance on the solar panels. This initiative is designed to make the community self-sufficient in managing the project and to serve as first responders for any issues.
Anayo Okenwa, CEO of NAYO Tropical Technology Limited, also highlighted the project’s transformative impact. He noted that providing electricity has reversed the trend of rural-urban migration, as residents now have the means to engage in economic activities within their own community. “This project has reversed rural-urban migration. The community is expanding, and we can see the kind of development electricity brings. We look forward to the expansion of the project. We want to thank the Rural Electrification Agency for their support to us and the development of electricity projects across the country,” Okenwa remarked.
Residents Applaud the Federal Government
Abubakar Giri, Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, thanked the residents of Rafinzurufi for their cooperation throughout the project. Congratulating the community on its successful completion, he expressed hope that it would attract more investors to the area. “To the people of Rafinzurufi, I say congratulations. I appreciate your support and cooperation during the implementation of this project in this community. It is my prayer that it will help increase and bring more investors to this community,” he said.
The Etsu of Rafinzurufi, Yunusa Musa, also expressed his satisfaction, acknowledging the government’s commitment to rural development. He reassured attendees that the community would take all necessary measures to protect the solar facility. “This project has now made us believe in the promises of the Federal Government. Indeed, this is a sign that the Government has not forgotten the rural people of this country,” the Etsu stated.
The community has pledged to safeguard the facility and has already made plans to engage vigilantes for its security, ensuring the project remains operational for the benefit of all residents.
