The Nigerian government has commissioned a 40kWp solar hybrid mini-grid in Rafinzurufi Community in Abuja to expand rural electrification. This project is spearheaded by the Rural Electrification Agency and demonstrates the government's commitment to delivering clean and reliable electricity to underserved communities.
Solar Hybrid Mini-Grid: Driving Socio-Economic Transformation in Rural Areas
The Federal Government of Nigeria took a significant step towards expanding rural electrification by commissioning a 40kWp solar hybrid mini-grid in Rafinzurufi Community, located in the Gwagwalada Area Council within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The project was officially inaugurated on Saturday as part of a broader effort to provide underserved communities in Nigeria with clean, affordable, and reliable electricity.
This solar hybrid mini-grid project was implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under the Rural Electrification Fund’s Call 2 programme. The initiative is a testament to the government’s commitment to driving socio-economic transformation in rural areas. The REA aims to ensure that no community is left behind in the provision of essential infrastructure, especially in terms of access to electricity.
The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mahmoud was represented by her Special Adviser Michael Bawa at the commissioning event. She highlighted the profound impact that the project is expected to have on the Rafinzurufi Community. She emphasized that access to sustainable electricity is a catalyst for economic growth and social development, which in turn creates opportunities for communities that were previously disconnected from the national grid.
“Beyond the illumination of a vibrant community such as Rafinzurfi, there is no doubt that the men, women, and children in this community will now experience socio-economic transformation like never before. Electricity is a catalyst, and access to sustainable electricity creates opportunities and possibilities for previously unconnected citizens,” Dr. Mahmoud stated.
Maintaining the Mini-Grid
Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund, Doris Uboh also emphasized the importance of reasonable tariffs for the sustainability of the solar power project in Rafinzurfi. She pointed out that while the project was heavily funded, it would not be sustainable if the electricity was provided for free. Instead, the community would be expected to pay a reasonable tariff that would help them grow their businesses and maintain the project’s infrastructure.
To ensure the project’s longevity, Uboh mentioned plans to establish a Rural Electrification Cooperative Society. This cooperative will consist of members from the Rafinzurufi Community who will be trained to handle minor maintenance tasks on the solar panels. This initiative is designed to make the community self-sufficient in managing the project and to serve as first responders to any issues that may arise.
The CEO of NAYO Tropical Technology Limited, Anayo Okenwa highlighted the transformative impact of the project on the community. He noted that the provision of electricity has reversed the trend of rural-urban migration, as residents now have the means to engage in economic activities within their community.
“This project has reversed rural-urban migration. The community is expanding, and we can see the kind of development electricity brings. We look forward to the expansion of the project. We want to thank the Rural Electrification Agency for their support to us and the development of electricity projects across the country,” Okenwa remarked.
Residents Applaud the Federal Government
The Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Abubakar Giri expressed his gratitude to the residents of Rafinzurufi for their cooperation during the implementation of the project. He congratulated the community on the successful completion of the project and expressed hope that it would attract more investors to the area.
“To the people of Rafinzurufi, I say congratulations. I appreciate your support and cooperation during the implementation of this project in this community. It is my prayer that it will help increase and bring more investors to this community,” he said.
Etsu of Rafinzurufi, Yunusa Musa also expressed his satisfaction with the project. He acknowledged the Federal Government’s commitment to rural development and reassured that the community would take all necessary measures to protect the solar facility.
“This project has now made us believe in the promises of the Federal Government. Indeed, this is a sign that the Government has not forgotten the rural people of this country,” the Etsu stated.
The community has pledged to safeguard the facility, with plans already in place to engage vigilantes who will be responsible for its security. This ensures that the project remains operational for the benefit of all residents.