The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has commissioned a 581kWp interconnected solar mini-grid equipped with a 1.4MW battery energy storage system in Oke-Oyi Community, Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The project, delivered under the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS) and supported by the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), is expected to provide reliable electricity to 1,800 businesses and households in the community.
The expanded battery storage capacity will enable the mini-grid to supply electricity throughout the night, strengthening the Federal Government’s efforts to expand reliable and sustainable electricity access to rural communities.
The project was supported by 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 of effective international partnership, noting that it uses public funding to attract private investment, establishes clear market rules and promotes long-term commercial viability rather than dependence on perpetual subsidies.
The Minister said the project would not only improve electricity supply but also stimulate economic activities and create opportunities for residents.
“As we energize this community, we are also energizing businesses, creating opportunities, empowering young people, improving livelihoods, and building a more resilient future for Nigeria,” Tegbe said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Adeola Labzy.
He urged members of the Oke-Oyi community to protect the infrastructure against vandalism and criminal interference, stressing that the facility was an investment for their benefit and for future generations.
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 supply, attract private investment and support local economic activities.
He said the Agency would continue to scale up the model through stronger financing, regulatory and institutional frameworks, while ensuring commercial viability, proper maintenance and community ownership.
The REA boss acknowledged the contributions of the Federal Ministry of Power, Kwara State Government and development partners, as well as the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company and Nayo Tropical Technologies Limited, to the 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’s power sector reforms and their impact across the state.
He said improved electricity supply was particularly important to rural communities because of its potential to reduce rural-urban migration and stimulate development.
The Speaker said, “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. When you came on board, you quickly keyed into the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President to deliver dividends to the people.”
He added, “I can categorically say that you are performing.”
Tegbe, who formally declared the project commissioned on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated the Oke-Oyi community and all stakeholders involved in its delivery.
He also commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for pursuing reforms aimed at building a stronger, more reliable and sustainable electricity sector.
The Oke-Oyi project adds to the Federal Government’s growing portfolio of rural and off-grid electrification initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at expanding electricity access, strengthening energy security and supporting Nigeria’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy.
