REA Disburses ₦9 Billion to Power Solar Mini-Grids in Four States, Boosting Rural Electricity Access

By Emmanuel Kwada

In a significant push to bridge Nigeria’s energy gap, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has released approximately ₦9 billion to accelerate the deployment of solar mini-grid projects across Taraba, Kogi, Kwara, and Niger States.

The funding, channeled under the performance-based grant framework of the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) Programme, targets underserved rural communities where reliable electricity remains a major challenge.

DARES, a World Bank-supported initiative, aims to expand electricity access to millions of Nigerians through renewable energy solutions.

According to details from the disbursement, ₦7.95 billion was allocated to Havenhill for critical equipment financing across four solar mini-grid projects spanning Taraba, Kogi, and Kwara States. An additional ₦1.056 billion was released to Faraday & Otstred Limited to support three project sites in Niger State.

This latest tranche builds on earlier approvals, including ₦7.4 billion to Ventura Logistics Services and ₦3.2 billion to Zanoplus, signaling sustained momentum in REA’s drive to attract private sector participation in off-grid renewable energy.

The projects are expected to deliver clean, reliable power to remote communities, enabling productive uses such as agro-processing, small businesses, and improved healthcare and education services.

Officials highlight that solar mini-grids offer a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to extending the national grid to sparsely populated areas.

REA’s Managing Director, Dr. Abba Aliyu, has consistently emphasized the agency’s commitment to scaling renewable energy deployment through innovative financing and partnerships.

The DARES programme is designed to unlock private investment while de-risking projects for developers, ultimately targeting improved electricity access for over 17 million Nigerians.

Stakeholders in the renewable energy sector have welcomed the disbursement, describing it as a timely intervention that could catalyze further investments in Nigeria’s mini-grid market.

With many rural areas still relying on diesel generators or lacking power entirely, these solar initiatives are poised to drive economic activity and enhance quality of life.

The REA has indicated that more disbursements and project commissions are in the pipeline as it continues to implement performance-based grants under DARES.

This development aligns with broader federal government efforts to diversify Nigeria’s energy mix and achieve universal electricity access through a blend of grid extensions, mini-grids, and standalone solar systems.