By Obas Esiedesa, Abuja

The Rural Electrification Agency, REA, and the Global Environment Facility, GEF, supported by the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, have signed an agreement with 18 renewable energy developers for the deployment of 23 mini-grids across the country at the cost of $5.91 million.

A statement by GEF at the weekend said the intervention is designed to impact over 70,000 Nigerians, enabling over 600 productive use connections and over 375 social connections. The mini-grids have capacity ranging from 30Kwp to 200Kwp.

The deal is part of the Africa Mini-Grids Program, AMP, launched in 2022, and funded by the Global Environment Facility with support from the United Nations Development Programme. It is an impact-focused initiative active in 21 countries across Africa.

With a 48-month timeline, the AMP-funded mini-grids are targeted at catalyzing access to energy efficient, sustainable infrastructure for small-holder farmers in last-mile communities. The program will enable accelerated increase in the financial viability and promotion scaled-up commercial investment in mini-grids in Nigeria.

Speaking on the REA’s productive and impactful partnership with the GEF and UNDP, the Managing Director/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Abubakar Aliyu explained that “the AMP aligns with the Federal Government’s focus on the optimization of decentralized renewable energy solutions to catalyze growth and unlock opportunities in the agricultural sector”.

He added that the “REA’s focus on energy access for agricultural productivity is deliberate as agriculture remains a central industry that will aid economic growth and inclusion, if well harnessed. Beyond powering homes, the implementation of the AMP will energize businesses, strengthen innovation in the sector, foster job creation, and reduce energy poverty across the country”.

On his part, Mr. Stanley Jonah, the GEF Operational Focal Person and Director, PRS, Federal Ministry of Environment while reiterating the transformative impact of the AMP, explained that “the completion of the AMP projects will not only enhance the agricultural value chain but impact the quality of lives of rural dwellers”.

He explained that the GEF remains committed to the growth of the energy access ecosystem.

Also speaking at the event, the UNDP Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah, represented by Muyiwa Odele, Head of Climate Change Unit, UNDP Nigeria, while commending the REA’s project implementation culture explained that the timely delivery of the AMP energy access interventions will catalyze broader opportunities for the private sector and serve as a guide for the over 21 implementing countries in Africa.

The AMP Programme Lead at the REA, Dr. Bala Tyoden, while commending the renewable energy developers for working in lockstep with the REA on the implementation of the AMP, urged the grantees to “uphold the culture of compliance and adherence to standards and specifications as well as transparency in line with the REA’s mandate”.

Dr. Tyoden added that the REA and its partners are committed to the delivery of efficient and sustainable infrastructure to Nigerians in last-mile communities.