FG begins $100m 20MW power projects in Kogi

The Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a 20-megawatt mini-grid power project in Egume, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.

This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, Lizzy Okoji.

The project, expected to be the largest mini-grid power project in North Central Nigeria, was held on Friday, while two other mini-grid projects in Kogi East were also commissioned: a 700-kilowatt mini-grid in Offa Community, Olamaboro Local Government Area, and a 400-kilowatt mini-grid in Emewe Efopa Community, Dekina Local Government Area.

Audu said the projects, valued at over 100 million dollars, form part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to deliver the dividends of the Renewed Hope Agenda to the people of Kogi State.

He noted that the “Light Up Kogi” initiative, which he is championing, is aimed at expanding access to reliable electricity, stimulating economic growth, enhancing security, and improving the quality of life of residents across Kogi East and the entire state.

Speaking during the ceremonies, the minister described the project, under the Ministry of Power through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), which coincided with the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration, as “underscoring the tangible impact of the administration’s policies on communities at the grassroots level.”

He said: “The projects also serve as a call for the people of Kogi State to come out in their numbers to vote for the re-election of President Tinubu in 2027, while assuring the President of a resounding victory in the state.

“Today is a good day for Igala land. The groundbreaking of this 20-megawatt project, the largest mini-grid power project in North Central Nigeria, demonstrates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the development of our people.

Through our engagements with the Rural Electrification Agency and the Federal Ministry of Power, we have secured over 40 mini-grid electrification projects across the nine local government areas of Igala land. In the coming months, communities across the region will begin to witness the benefits of these interventions,” the minister stated.

Minister Audu further disclosed that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the World Bank through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), had secured funding worth nearly 100 million dollars for mini-grid projects across Igala land. He urged communities to cooperate fully with government officials and project developers to ensure the smooth execution of the projects.

He further noted that access to reliable electricity remains one of the most critical enablers of economic growth and social development, adding that the projects will create opportunities for businesses to thrive, improve healthcare and educational services, enhance security, and raise the overall standard of living of the people.

Audu expressed appreciation to the Minister of Power, Mr. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, for approving the project, and the Managing Director of REA, Alhaji Abba Abubakar Aliyu, for the agency’s partnership, technical expertise, and support in delivering the projects.

He also commended traditional rulers, community leaders, stakeholders, and residents of Egume, Offa, and Emewe Efopa communities for their cooperation and support.

The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Alhaji Abba Abubakar Aliyu, commended Prince Audu for his commitment to attracting development to Kogi State and particularly Kogi East, describing him as a reliable and effective representative of Kogi State at the Federal Executive Council, whose consistent engagement has ensured that the region receives strategic federal attention and energy investments.

“The Minister has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the development of his people. Through his efforts, about 29 megawatts of renewable energy projects have been attracted to Kogi State, with nearly 20 megawatts located within Igala land. The projects will deliver reliable and affordable electricity to homes, businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities, creating new economic opportunities for the people,” he said.

Alhaji Aliyu further explained that the project would be situated on over five hectares of land and integrated with existing electricity infrastructure to guarantee sustainable power supply. He expressed optimism that the Egume project would be completed within six months, urging residents to position themselves to take advantage of the economic opportunities that would accompany improved electricity access.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers of the communities, the Ejeh of Dekina, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji (Dr.) Usman Obaje, OON, thanked the minister for being a true son of his father, the late Prince Abubakar Audu, and a worthy son of the soil.

He thanked him for bringing such a magnanimous project to Igala land and assured support for the Renewed Hope Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.