The Nigerian government has recorded a significant milestone after an indigenous energy company secured N7.4 billion in financing to deploy a 7-megawatt mini-grid project in underserved communities in Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), which described the funding as part of a broader effort to expand access to electricity in off-grid areas.
According to the agency, the financing falls under a N100 billion Memorandum of Understanding signed with a Nigerian financial institution to support the rollout of renewable energy infrastructure across eight strategic locations in Ebonyi State.
The initiative is being implemented under the government’s Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) programme, which is designed to bridge Nigeria’s energy access gap by promoting clean and sustainable power solutions.
The mini-grid project is expected to supply electricity to several communities, including Okposi, Mebiokpa, and Ohaozara in Ohaozara Local Government Area, as well as Ebunwana in Edda Local Government Area.
Other benefiting areas include Unwana and Afikpo in Afikpo North Local Government Area, along with Iboko in Izzi Local Government Area, all of which have historically faced limited access to reliable power supply.
Speaking on the development, REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu said the pace of progress demonstrates the agency’s commitment to building effective partnerships that translate into tangible benefits for citizens.
He added that the project highlights how coordinated efforts between the public and private sectors can deliver immediate and impactful results, particularly in expanding electricity access to underserved populations.
