FG Begins $100m 20MW Power Projects in Kogi

The Federal Government has launched a major rural electrification drive with the groundbreaking of a 20-megawatt mini-grid power project in Egume, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The ceremony was performed by the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, according to a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Assistant on Media, Lizzy Okoji.

The project, described as the largest mini-grid power initiative in North Central Nigeria, is valued at over $100 million and forms part of ongoing efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to expand electricity access under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Alongside the Egume project, two additional mini-grid facilities were commissioned in Kogi East: a 700-kilowatt mini-grid in Offa Community in Olamaboro Local Government Area, and a 400-kilowatt mini-grid in Emewe Efopa Community in Dekina Local Government Area.

Audu said the initiative, tagged the “Light Up Kogi” programme, is designed to expand electricity access, stimulate economic activity, improve security, and raise living standards across communities in the state.

He explained that the projects fall under the Ministry of Power through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and are part of broader efforts to deliver decentralised power solutions to underserved communities.

According to him, over 40 mini-grid projects have been secured across the nine local government areas of Igala land, with support from the World Bank and other development partners.

The minister added that reliable electricity remains critical to economic development, noting that the projects would support small businesses, improve healthcare delivery, enhance education services, and strengthen local security systems.

He also commended the Minister of Power and the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency for their roles in facilitating the initiative, while urging communities to cooperate for smooth project implementation.

The Managing Director of REA, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, described the project as a transformative intervention that would deliver sustainable and affordable electricity to homes, businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities.

He said the Egume mini-grid project would be completed within six months and integrated with existing infrastructure to ensure long-term stability.

Traditional leaders in the benefiting communities also expressed appreciation for the project, describing it as a major step toward economic empowerment and development in the region.