The Federal Government of Nigeria, yesterday inaugurated a 505Kwh interconnected solar mini grid across five communities- Odogbawojo, Odoshiwola, Odoayan Aora and Ibowon, in Epe division of Lagos State.
The project is a further initiative aimed at expanding energy access and accelerating economic development in the state. The government also unveiled plans for an additional five-megawatt (MW) renewable energy expansion to the project which is expected to power industries, businesses and critical infrastructure across the region.
The project, delivered under the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS), was inaugurated by the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, alongside the Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Mukhail Abiru, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, representatives of the European Union (EU), German Government, Lagos State government officials, development partners, private-sector stakeholders, community leaders and residents.
Speaking at the event, Tegbe praised REA for what he described as its remarkable transformation into one of the country’s most impactful public institutions.”
He noted that the Epe mini-grid would unlock economic opportunities, improve healthcare services, strengthen educational outcomes, support local businesses and create employment opportunities for residents.
“REA has undergone a remarkable transformation from a body with admirable mandates but modest delivery into an institution that is genuinely and measurably changing lives across the country,” he said.
Tegbe said more than 1,000 mini-grid projects are currently under active development nationwide, demonstrating the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding energy access through renewable energy solutions. He further disclosed that solar home system interventions implemented under various programmes have already reached more than 3.9 million Nigerians.
“Energy transition is no longer an abstract policy discussion. It is happening community by community, kilowatt by kilowatt and life by life. As we energise this community, we are energising businesses, creating opportunities, empowering our young people, improving livelihoods and building a more resilient future for Nigeria,” Tebge said.
Also speaking at the event, Abiru, who was instrumental to the berthing of the solar project in the community, said it will transform into several things including bringing prosperity to the people of the community. He revealed that there are further plans to increase the capacity by another 5MW- a project that already had its groundbreaking underway yesterday.
He expressed satisfaction with the assurances from the traditional rulers in the community who unanimously pledged to ensure the safety of the facility within their domain.
Also speaking on the occasion, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of REA, Dr. Abba Aliyu, described the project as a milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to provide sustainable electricity access while unlocking economic opportunities in underserved communities.
According to him, the Epe mini-grid represents far more than a power infrastructure project, as it is designed to stimulate industrial productivity, support entrepreneurship, improve livelihoods and create a foundation for long-term economic growth.
“Today, we are not simply commissioning a power project. We are commissioning economic opportunity, industrial productivity, enterprise growth and a sustainable future for the people of Epe,” he said.
Aliyu noted that the project demonstrates what can be achieved when government institutions, development partners, private investors and local communities work together towards a common goal.
He commended the Federal Ministry of Power for creating an enabling environment for investments in renewable energy through policy reforms and implementation of the Electricity Act 2023, which has encouraged private-sector participation and accelerated the deployment of decentralized energy solutions across Nigeria.
Aliyu while acknowledging the contributions of the EU and the Government of Germany said their support through the IMAS programme has enabled communities that previously struggled with unreliable electricity supply to become centres of economic activity, innovation and productivity.
“Their investment goes beyond infrastructure. They are investing in entrepreneurship, climate resilience, economic inclusion, job creation and sustainable development,” he stated.
Aliyu explained that the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme is one of Nigeria’s most innovative renewable energy initiatives, designed to complement existing distribution networks while providing reliable electricity to homes, businesses, schools, healthcare facilities and productive-use enterprises.
He said projects delivered under the programme have already recorded significant impacts across beneficiary communities, including lower energy costs, reduced dependence on diesel generators, increased business revenues, longer productive hours for enterprises, improved healthcare delivery and enhanced educational outcomes.
“The impact has been tangible. We have seen increased business activity, job creation, stronger investor confidence, improved security and better quality of life in communities where these projects have been implemented,” he said.
The MD/CEO, A4&T Power Solutions, Ayo Ademilua, whose firm served as the technical partner to the project, described the inauguration of the mini-grid power plant as “a historic moment not just for A4&T and Epe people, but for Lagos State and Nigeria.”
He said the plant is more than an electricity; it is a full package, a socio-economic transformation engine for the Epe community, as market traders, for instance, will keep their shops lit and customers coming in, while the fish farmer will have cold storage so, his harvest no longer spoils before reaching the market.
Ademilua added that hotels, industries, factories, and commercial enterprises will now operate without the burden of high cost of generator fuel. Students will study at night; security will improve and the overall wellbeing of Epe people will rise.
He, however, stated that the project’s partners are not stopping at electricity supply; they are also rolling out electric vehicles starting with electric motorcycles and tricycles, assembled from an assembly plant here in Lagos.
The A4&T boss projected that the roll out of electric vehicles across Epe will cut current operating expenditure (OPEX) by 40 per cent. An average rider, according to him, spends about N4-N15, 000 daily on petrol beside oil.
The representatives of the EU and the German government also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Nigeria’s transition towards sustainable, inclusive and reliable energy access.
They described the Epe project as a clear demonstration of the impact that international cooperation can have in improving livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities.
The partners disclosed that €6.5 million has been allocated for the continuation and strengthening of the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), reflecting confidence in the programme’s achievements and its role in supporting Nigeria’s energy transition.
They stressed that renewable energy remains a critical component of efforts to build a resilient and inclusive energy sector capable of supporting the country’s long-term economic ambitions.
For residents of Epe, the commissioning of the 505kWh mini-grid is expected to significantly improve electricity reliability while supporting commercial activities and reducing the financial burden associated with self-generation. They agreed that the commissioning of the mini-grid marks the beginning of a new chapter defined by improved electricity reliability, reduced energy costs and greater economic possibilities.
With the planned 5Mw expansion on the horizon, stakeholders believe Epe is steadily positioning itself as a major hub for industrial activity, commercial growth and renewable energy development in Lagos.