REA maps 651 communities for solar developers in Benue state

Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency has identified 651 communities across Benue State as viable sites for private solar mini-grid developers, part of a broader strategy to accelerate renewable energy investment following landmark electricity sector reforms.

The agency disclosed at a January 28 stakeholder roundtable that the communities, each capable of supporting more than 100 connections, could provide power to over 1.2 million residents. The data-driven mapping exercise identified 3,821 potential mini-grid sites statewide, with economically viable locations including Odejo, Mbadede, Gwer, Tarka, Otukpo, Obi, Makurdi, and Gboko.

“These are attractive and high-impact investment sites,” said Abba Aliyu, managing director of the REA, during a briefing with Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue state. The mapping forms part of the agency’s implementation of the Electricity Act 2023, which decentralised power generation and created pathways for state-level electricity markets.

The Makurdi roundtable, themed “From Strategy to Impact,” convened over 300 stakeholders, including renewable energy service companies, financiers, policymakers, and development partners. It marked the 24th in a series of state-by-state consultations designed to translate federal energy reforms into subnational investment opportunities.

For Benue State, known as Nigeria’s food basket due to its agricultural output, the REA presented strategies linking energy access to agricultural value chains. The agency highlighted potential impacts across education, healthcare, security, and local economies, while outlining opportunities under its Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up programme and National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative.

Read also: Mesh-grid solar project extends power access to 25,000 off-grid Nigerians

Alia acknowledged the state’s historical energy challenges, describing the 2023 Electricity Act as “a historic opportunity for energy independence.” His administration has taken steps to develop electricity market frameworks, recognising that investor confidence requires regulatory clarity and efficient project coordination.

“I am amazed at the volume of energy access statistics the REA has in its possession,” Alia said, assuring developers of the state’s readiness to welcome investment.

The initiative comes as Nigerian states increasingly assert autonomy over electricity provision under the 2023 reforms signed by President Bola Tinubu. The legislation ended decades of federal monopoly on power generation and distribution, enabling states to license independent operators and develop localised solutions.

Nigeria’s electricity access remains among the lowest globally, with roughly 85 million people lacking grid connection. Mini-grids have emerged as a critical solution for rural and underserved communities where grid extension proves economically unfeasible. The technology can be deployed faster than traditional infrastructure while supporting productive uses, including irrigation, cold storage, and small manufacturing.

The REA’s approach emphasises data transparency to de-risk investments for private developers. By providing granular information on population density, economic activity, and connection potential, the agency aims to reduce project development costs and accelerate deployment timelines.

The Benue mapping exercise reflects broader efforts across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with the REA positioning itself as the primary facilitator between state governments and renewable energy investors.