The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, has
disclosed that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the World Bank through the REA, had secured nearly $100 million in funding for mini-grid projects across the region.
He made this known over the weekend while performing the groundbreaking ceremony for a 20-megawatt mini-grid power project in Egume, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, described as the largest mini-grid power project in North Central Nigeria.
The minister also commissioned two additional mini-grid projects in Kogi East—a 700-kilowatt facility in Offa Community, Olamaboro Local Government Area, and a 400-kilowatt mini-grid in Emewe Efopa Community, Dekina Local Government Area.
He said the projects, valued at more than $100 million, form part of the Federal Government’s efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to expand access to electricity and drive development across Kogi State.
According to the minister, the projects are being delivered under the Federal Ministry of Power through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and are aimed at stimulating economic growth, improving security, and enhancing the quality of life of residents.
Audu noted that the initiative, tagged “Light Up Kogi,” seeks to bridge the electricity gap in underserved communities while creating opportunities for businesses, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions to thrive.
He described the groundbreaking of the 20MW Egume project as a major milestone for Igala land and a demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to grassroots development.
“Today is a good day for Igala land. The groundbreaking of this 20-megawatt project, the largest mini-grid power project in North Central Nigeria, demonstrates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the development of our people,” Audu said.
The minister disclosed that through engagements with the Rural Electrification Agency and the Federal Ministry of Power, more than 40 mini-grid electrification projects had been secured across the nine local government areas of Igala land.
Audu urged host communities to cooperate with government officials and project developers to ensure smooth implementation, stressing that reliable electricity remains a critical driver of economic and social development.
He also thanked the Minister of Power, Mr. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, for approving the projects and commended the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Alhaji Abba Abubakar Aliyu, for the agency’s technical support and partnership.
In his remarks, REA Managing Director, Alhaji Abba Abubakar Aliyu, praised Audu for attracting strategic development projects to Kogi State and Kogi East in particular.
Aliyu said the minister’s efforts had facilitated approximately 29 megawatts of renewable energy projects in Kogi State, with nearly 20 megawatts located within Igala land.
He explained that the Egume project would occupy more than five hectares of land and would be integrated with existing electricity infrastructure to ensure a sustainable power supply.
The REA boss expressed confidence that the project would be completed within six months and encouraged residents to take advantage of the economic opportunities expected to accompany improved electricity access.
Also speaking, the Ejeh of Dekina, His Royal Majesty Alhaji (Dr.) Usman Obaje, OON, commended Audu for facilitating the project, describing him as a worthy son of the soil and a worthy successor to the legacy of his late father, Prince Abubakar Audu.
The traditional ruler thanked the Federal Government for bringing the landmark power project to Igala land and pledged the continued support of the people for the Tinubu administration.
The events coincided with the third anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration and highlighted ongoing efforts to expand rural electrification and energy access across Kogi State.
