Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has stated that the Federal Government remains dedicated to expanding electricity access in underserved Nigerian communities through its solar mini-grid initiative. The Minister made these remarks during a recent inspection and impact assessment of a 90KW solar hybrid mini-grid in Adafila, Ogbomoso, as reported by sources.
Adelabu highlighted the project’s capacity to power over 1,300 households, clinics, schools, and small businesses independently of the national grid.
According to him, “the solar mini-grid system uses solar panels embedded in the community, distributing power to the entire community without passing through the national grid.
“The project gives the community 24 hours of uninterrupted power supply. It is backed up by 240 KW of battery storage during the night when there’s no sun.
“This community has been enjoying uninterrupted power supply for the past two years; what we are here to do is witness, inspect, and assess the impact of the project on the community.
“We have about 27 mini-grid solar systems spread across the state and other locations in Nigeria,” he said.
The solar hybrid mini-grid project has significantly alleviated energy poverty, empowering residents to enhance their businesses and utilise acquired skills effectively.
The Minister expressed the government’s commitment to expanding such projects nationwide, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and delivering democratic dividends to grassroots communities.
During his inspection, the minister also visited the 132KV substations in Oyo and Ogbomoso.
The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Olaoye, urged the ministry to expedite the installation of transmission lines on the newly-installed 132KV substation in Ogbomoso to improve power supply to the ancient city.
The traditional ruler reiterated the commitment of Ogbomoso indigenes to safeguarding power infrastructure and other government facilities in the town.
Recall that Nigeria’s Minister for Power, Adebayo Adelabu, said in 2022 that 70.5% of electricity is from gas (thermal plants), 27.3 from hydro, 2.2% from solar, and others.
Adelabu said this while addressing where the country currently stands as it relates to electricity generation. He emphasised that power generation is not where the country needs to improve significantly, but in transmission and distribution.
During the Ministerial Retreat in Abuja, he presented on the theme “Integrated National Electricity Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan: Navigating and Aligning on the Path to Enhanced Electricity Reliability.”
