The Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) has officially entered into a grant agreement aimed at providing off-grid power to approximately 7,747 customers in Jigawa and Nasarawa States of Nigeria.
This significant agreement involves two reputable mini-grid developers, ACOB Lighting Tech. Ltd and Offgrid Electric Ltd, both meeting the rigorous prerequisites for participation in the Minimum Subsidy Tender (MST) sub-component. The funding for this initiative is provided by the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the implementation is under the leadership of Engineer Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
The primary objective of this agreement is to transform and enhance off-grid power generation in Jigawa and Nasarawa States, respectively. Mr. Abba Aliyu, Head of NEP’s Project Management Unit, expressed optimism during the signing ceremony in Abuja, emphasizing the positive impact expected from the agreement. He stressed the developers’ commitment to delivering quality and quantity within the agreed timeframe.
Mr. Aliyu also encouraged the developers to leverage the opportunities presented by MST projects to promote the productive use of equipment within the communities in both states. Creating a connection between MST and Productive Use of Energy (PUE) projects, both funded by AfDB, is seen as a way to enhance the sustainability of mini-grids and further facilitate rapid socio-economic development in communities.
The CEOs of ACOB Lighting Tech. Ltd and Offgrid Electric Ltd, Mr. Alexander Obiechina and Khalis Muhammed, respectively, expressed gratitude and commitment to fulfilling all contractual obligations. They highlighted the significance of the project, its visibility due to proximity to Abuja, and the potential for lasting and sustainable impact over the next two decades.
The agreement is expected to benefit over 7,747 customers across various localities in Jigawa and Nasarawa States, providing access to an estimated 3,454Kv PV capacity and promising more sustainable and reliable energy sources. The project aims 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.
Through such collaborations, the NEP remains dedicated to its mission of fostering sustainable and inclusive electrification, paving the way for progress and a brighter future for communities in Jigawa and Nasarawa States.
Quest :Emmanuel kelvin