FG launches $100m 20MW power projects in Kogi

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

According to a press statement signed and issued on Saturday by Lizzy Okoji, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister.

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 that 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, to deliver the dividends of the Renewed Hope Agenda to the people of Kogi State, noting 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.

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.

Audu also 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, noting 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 Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, Minister of Power, for approving the project, and Abba Abubakar Aliyu, managing director of REA, 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.

Àbba Abubakar Aliyu, managing director, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), commended Prince Audu for his commitment to attracting projects to Kogi State.