The Federal Government, through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), has advanced the implementation of the Africa Mini-Grids Programme (AMP), marking a significant step towards improving electricity access in underserved rural communities across Nigeria.
At the Africa Mini-Grids Programme Grant Award Ceremony held in Abuja on Friday, officials announced the deployment of 23 new mini-grids across the country’s six geopolitical zones. These mini-grids, with capacities ranging from 30 kWp to 200 kWp, are expected to enhance access to sustainable energy solutions and improve the quality of life for over 70,000 Nigerians.
The initiative, which became active in 21 countries in 2022, is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria. It is designed to enable over 600 productive-use connections and over 375 social connections, fostering economic growth in rural areas.
Eighteen renewable energy developers have been awarded grant agreements worth $5.91 million to drive the project’s execution. According to the GEF, the AMP model fosters collaboration between public and private stakeholders, reinforcing a shared commitment to sustainable energy solutions that promote agricultural development and enhance food security.
The AMP initiative prioritizes 23 sites for its pilot phase, selected from an extensive pipeline of 120 locations identified under the Energizing Agriculture Programme. These sites represent diverse agricultural activities across Nigeria, including grain processing, staple food production, cash crop value addition, and cold storage solutions to reduce post-harvest losses.
Speaking at the event, GEF Operational Focal Person, Mr. Stanley Jonah, emphasized the transformative impact of the AMP. “The completion of these projects will not only enhance the agricultural value chain but also improve the quality of life for rural dwellers,” he stated.
The Managing Director of the REA, Abba Aliyu, highlighted the alignment of the AMP with the Federal Government’s energy transition goals. “Our focus on energy access for agricultural productivity is deliberate, as agriculture remains a central industry that, if well harnessed, will drive economic growth and inclusion,” he said.
The AMP-funded mini-grids, with a 48-month implementation timeline, aim to accelerate energy access and promote scalable commercial investment in Nigeria’s mini-grid sector. By fostering innovation, job creation, and economic empowerment in last-mile communities, the initiative is set to redefine rural electrification and contribute to a more sustainable energy future for Nigeria.
