The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has entered into grant agreements with nine renewable energy companies in a major move to provide electricity to 17.5 million Nigerians through clean and reliable energy solutions.
This marks the first major step in implementing the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) project, which officially launched in 2024 with funding support from the World Bank.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held on Monday, April 29, 2025, in Abuja, REA’s Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, explained that the initiative would roll out 1,350 mini-grids across underserved and rural communities. The energy companies involved include Privida Power Limited, Baobab Plus, Salpha Energy, Asolar, NTA-StarTimes, A4&T Power Solutions, Sunking Greenlight Planet, Bboxx, and D.Light.
According to Aliyu, the project plays a key role in supporting Mission 300, a global initiative to deliver energy access to 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by the year 2030. He noted that the Nigerian government remains committed to achieving universal electricity access as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Clean Energy for the Underserved
Aliyu stated that the new mini-grids—both isolated and interconnected—will improve electricity supply for customers in service Bands D and E, many of whom currently lack reliable power. The project also includes the deployment of solar home systems to reach even more remote households.
“So far, 198 sites have been submitted under the programme, with projections of 340,000 new electricity connections and a total of 47 megawatts of clean energy added to the national supply,” he said.
He further revealed that Privida Power Limited alone will build solar mini-grids in 11 locations, delivering over 2.5 megawatts of power and generating 11,000 new household connections. Meanwhile, eight other companies will distribute 1.6 million solar home systems across Nigeria’s rural regions.
“Today’s signing goes beyond paperwork,” Aliyu stressed. “It represents a promise to communities that have waited too long for access to energy.”
DARES to Transform Lives
Olufemi Akinyelure, Head of the Nigeria Electrification Programme (NEP), also addressed attendees at the ceremony. He highlighted the broader impacts of the DARES initiative, noting how it opens doors to education, healthcare, small business growth, and overall inclusion.
“Each connection under DARES is more than just power—it’s a lifeline. It brings change, opportunity, and the possibility of a better life,” Akinyelure said.
He emphasised that this partnership model serves as a template for achieving Nigeria’s long-term energy access goals. By offering targeted grants to developers of mini-grid and solar solutions, the project aims to energise Nigeria’s off-grid power market.
Solar Solutions for Homes and Businesses
Under the programme’s Performance-Based Grant (PBG) for mini-grids, Privida Power Limited received support to develop solar installations across 11 rural communities in Kogi State. These installations are expected to generate 11,027 new electricity connections.
In addition, the remaining eight companies signed agreements under the Standalone Solar Systems (SAS) component. They will supply Tier 1 and Tier 2 plug-and-play solar kits to homes and small businesses across rural Nigeria, especially in areas not currently connected to the national grid.
Private Sector Pledges Support
Speaking on behalf of the companies, Privida Power Limited’s Group CEO, Mr William Akalume, reaffirmed their dedication to delivering on the goals of the DARES project.
He described the initiative as a game-changer for millions of Nigerians who have lived without electricity, adding that Privida and other firms involved are fully committed to expanding access, promoting sustainability, and supporting economic development through energy.
