The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), has reached a major milestone in its push for renewable energy by boosting its decentralised power capacity to 60.82 megawatts (MW) across six states. The initiative culminated with the groundbreaking of a 13.92-megawatt-peak (MWp) interconnected hybrid solar project in Yobe State, building upon 46.9MW worth of energy infrastructure previously launched across five other states including major installations in Egume, Kogi State (20MW); Ogu-Bolo, Rivers State (11.9MWp); Kofare, Adamawa State (10MW); Ambursa, Kebbi State (3.5MW); and Pankshin, Plateau State (1.5MW). Supported by the World Bank, the flagship project in Yobe State is equipped with 40 distribution transformers deployed across key commercial and residential areas, distributing power across Nguru (3.20MWp), Potiskum's Yarimaram (3.20MWp) and Rugan Fulani (2.78MWp) locations, Gashua (2.98MWp), and the Waziri Ibrahim Estate in Damaturu (1.76MWp).
Speaking during the Yobe groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Mai Mala Buni commended the initiative, noting how seamlessly it aligns with state goals to build resilient infrastructure, strengthen industrial capacity, and boost local agricultural productivity. Expanding on the broader impact, REA Managing Director and CEO Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu explained that these interconnected hybrid mini-grids are engineered to integrate directly into existing distribution networks, emphasizing that the initiative is not merely connecting communities to electricity, but connecting them to opportunity; creating an environment where local businesses can grow, young people can innovate, farmers can process more produce, and healthcare facilities can provide better care. Looking ahead, the REA announced 14 additional pipeline projects currently in development for Yobe State following a strategic roundtable held in June 2025; once completed, these upcoming projects will deliver an extra 15.3MWp of capacity and extend electricity access to 23,870 new connections in areas such as Jawur Katamma, Dibbwol, and the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu.
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