The federal government has commissioned a 581kWp interconnected solar mini-grid with a 1.4MW battery energy storage system in Oke-Oyi, Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, in a move to expand reliable electricity supply to rural communities.
The Federal Ministry of Power said the expanded battery capacity would enable the mini-grid to supply electricity to the community through the night, strengthening efforts to improve access to reliable power in underserved areas.
The project, delivered under the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS) and supported by the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), was backed by the European Union (EU) the Federal Republic of Germany through GIZ and other development partners, including UNICEF.
Speaking at the commissioning, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, described the project as an example of how international partnerships could support sustainable electricity development.
Tegbe said the scheme was designed to leverage public funding to attract private developers, establish clear market rules and promote long-term commercial viability rather than perpetual dependence on subsidies.
The minister urged residents of Oke-Oyi to protect the newly commissioned infrastructure from vandalism and criminal interference, describing the facility as an investment built for their benefit and that of future generations.
“As we energise this community, we are also energising businesses, creating opportunities, empowering young people, improving livelihoods, and building a more resilient future for Nigeria,” the minister said.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for pursuing reforms aimed at building a stronger, more reliable and sustainable electricity sector.
The Oke-Oyi mini-grid is expected to provide electricity to about 1,800 businesses and households, according to the ministry, adding to the federal government’s rural and off-grid electrification projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
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 economic activity.
He said the agency was focused on scaling up such projects through stronger financing, regulatory and institutional frameworks, while ensuring commercial viability, proper maintenance and community ownership.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Federal Ministry of Power, Kwara State Government, development partners, 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 state House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, commended the impact of the federal government’s power sector reforms in the state.
“Since this Minister of Power came on board, we have been enjoying stable electricity, not only in the cities, but also in the urban areas,” he said.
Danladi-Salihu, who said he represented a rural constituency, stressed the importance of electricity access in reducing rural-urban migration.
“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. I can categorically say that you are performing,” he said.
Emmanuel Addeh
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