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Nigeria Targets $1.6 Billion Solar Mini‑Grid Revolution to Power Rural Communities
The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, has disclosed that the agency has a funding pipeline worth nearly $1.6 billion to accelerate renewable energy projects across Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Aliyu made this revelation on Tuesday in Abuja during the agency’s state-by-state roundtable with Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, themed: “From Access to Impact: Unlocking Ondo’s Renewable Energy Potential for Economic Transformation and Socioeconomic Inclusion.”
He explained that the funds—sourced through a mix of public–private partnerships, multilateral institutions, and climate finance channels—will fast‑track the deployment of solar mini‑grids, standalone systems, and other clean‑energy infrastructure, particularly in underserved and off‑grid areas.
“At the REA, we currently have a funding pipeline of close to $1.6 billion that we are pursuing to crystallise,” Aliyu said.
“We expect $200 million from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, with final signing scheduled for next month. We are also expecting another $50 million from repatriated funds with the U.S. Department of Justice, which has been earmarked based on the strength of our programs.”
He added that the agency’s capital budget alone captures about ₦500 billion, with ₦100 billion already set aside for a national public sector solarisation program.
Through this program, REA plans to energise 25 communities across Nigeria and anticipates around $500 million in additional funding.
“We have the funding, technical expertise, and the capacity to work with states in driving renewable energy projects,” Aliyu stressed.
Aliyu also praised the contributions of Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs), noting that they have collectively deployed over $2 billion worth of infrastructure in some of the most difficult‑to‑reach areas in the country.
“These RESCOs have built strong competencies in raising capital, managing infrastructure, and engaging communities to take ownership of these projects,” he said.
On state preparedness, Aliyu revealed that Ondo scored four out of five in policy capacity readiness but needs improvement in funding and data readiness to attract private-sector investments.
“With the Electricity Act, the federal government has handed over greater responsibility to the states. We’ve assessed state readiness based on policy capacity, funding and investment climate, infrastructure, and data readiness. We want to support states like Ondo to strengthen funding and data while they improve policy and capacity,” he explained.
Aliyu further highlighted REA’s National Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan, which aims to chart a clear path for every state to achieve universal access to power. He noted that 119 million Nigerians remain without electricity, spread across 22 million households.
“We are committed to working with every state to deliver electricity access to all Nigerians,” he assured, adding that Ondo State stands to benefit significantly from the agency’s ambitious programs, especially in communities still lacking reliable electricity.
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has reacted to a resurfaced video in which the president said Nigerians should not re-elect him if he fails to ensure steady electricity supply.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Bwala spoke during an interview on Arise Television, where he addressed questions about the video and the current performance of the power sector under the Tinubu administration.
He said the president’s statement should be viewed within the context of his ongoing first term, stressing that it is too early to judge promises tied to a possible second term.
According to him, the administration has already begun implementing reforms in the power sector, including policy decisions and new legislative measures aimed at improving electricity supply.
He maintained that progress is ongoing and that the focus should be on what has been achieved so far rather than expectations for future electoral outcomes.
Bwala added that Nigerians will ultimately decide at the appropriate time whether the president deserves another term based on his overall performance.
“The president has not even come to the point of second term. We are still in the first term, and reforms are ongoing, including new laws and sectoral changes,” he said.
He further argued that the electorate will make their judgment when the time comes, based on the results delivered by the administration.
President Bola Tinubu has described his predecessor, the late Muhammadu Buhari, as his political partner, saying his administration effectively represents continuity of their shared governance.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has denied claims that he ordered the revocation of the licence of Rainbow Event Centre, which hosted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) national convention on February 14, 2026.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Wike said the party should stop blaming him for its internal issues, insisting that the ADC is already heading towards political failure on its own.
The ADC had alleged that FCT authorities denied it access to venues for its convention and attempted to stop the use of the Rainbow Event Centre before the event eventually held there.
Reacting, Wike said investigations have already been launched into the matter and directed his Chief of Staff to identify any staff member involved in the alleged interference.
He stated: “We will not allow people to just wake up and say the FCT Minister did this or that. I have told my Chief of Staff to find out from the company which staff member interfered. We will get to the bottom of this.”
Meanwhile, Wike also commented on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s political ambitions, saying he would have to wait until 2031 to contest for the presidency.
He said there is “no space” for Atiku in 2027, adding that he could try again in 2031 when he would be 82 years old.
Wike made the remarks during an inspection of ongoing road projects in Kuje Area Council on Thursday, while also criticising Atiku’s repeated attacks on the current administration and insisting that President Bola Tinubu has performed better than previous leadership.
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