The Honourable Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has commissioned a 581kWp interconnected solar mini-grid with a 1.4MW battery energy storage system (BESS) in Oke-Oyi Community, Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The expanded battery storage capacity enables the mini-grid to provide electricity throughout the night, reinforcing the Federal Government’s drive to expand reliable and sustainable energy access to rural communities.
The project was delivered under the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS) and supported by the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), with funding and technical support from the European Union, the Federal Republic of Germany through GIZ, and other development partners, including UNICEF.
Follow PenTalk News
Get breaking news, important updates and the latest stories directly on your phone.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Tegbe described IMAS as a model of effective international partnership, noting that the scheme leverages public funding to attract private-sector developers, establishes clear market rules and promotes long-term commercial viability rather than perpetual dependence on subsidies.
Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) said the Oke-Oyi project demonstrates how interconnected mini-grids can combine distributed renewable energy with existing electricity distribution networks to improve power supply, attract private investment and support economic activity.
He said the Agency remains focused on scaling up such models through stronger financing, regulatory and institutional frameworks, while ensuring commercial viability, proper maintenance and community ownership.
He acknowledged the Federal Ministry of Power, the Kwara State Government and development partners, as well as the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company and Nayo Tropical Technologies Limited, for their respective roles in delivering the project.
Representing the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, commended the impact of the Federal Government’s power sector reforms across the state.
“Since this Minister of Power came on board, we have been enjoying stable electricity, not only in the cities, but also in the urban areas,” he said.
He added that his roots in a rural constituency had given him a clear understanding of the importance of electricity in addressing rural-urban migration.
“As the Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly and being from a rural area, we understand the importance of electricity in taming rural-urban migration. When you came on board, you quickly keyed into the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President to deliver dividends to the people. I can categorically say that you are performing,” he said.
In his address, Tegbe urged residents of Oke-Oyi to protect the newly commissioned infrastructure from vandalism and criminal interference, describing the mini-grid as an investment built for their benefit and for the prosperity of generations to come.
He subsequently declared the project officially commissioned on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, while congratulating the Oke-Oyi community and all stakeholders who contributed to its delivery.
“As we energize this community, we are also energizing businesses, creating opportunities, empowering young people, improving livelihoods, and building a more resilient future for Nigeria,” the Minister said.
He also commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose administration, he noted, continues to pursue reforms aimed at building a stronger, more reliable and sustainable electricity sector.
The Oke-Oyi mini-grid is expected to provide electricity to about 1,800 businesses and households. The project adds to the growing portfolio of rural and off-grid electrification initiatives being delivered under the Renewed Hope Agenda as the Federal Government works to expand electricity access, strengthen energy security and advance Nigeria’s transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
