The Federal Government has commenced construction of five interconnected mini-grid projects with a combined capacity of 17.7 megawatts in Oyo State, targeting improved electricity supply to households and businesses across five local government areas.
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, announced the development during the groundbreaking ceremony, saying the projects are designed to improve access to electricity, reduce dependence on generators and create opportunities for businesses and investment.
The mini-grids will serve communities in Akinyele, Ido, Ibadan North, Egbeda and Lagelu local government areas. They comprise the Bola, Jiboye, Molade-Adelubi, Ogo Oluwa and Sooko-Elega projects, supported by a 17.74MW battery energy storage system to improve electricity supply and reliability.
According to a statement issued on Thursday, the initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to expand electricity access under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The projects are expected to help households and businesses extend their operating hours while creating employment opportunities.
Tegbe acknowledged the contributions of the Rural Electrification Agency, Paras Energy and Natural Resources Development Limited, the World Bank and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company to the projects. He also commended the Oyo State Government, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents of the beneficiary communities, specifically recognising the support of the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The minister also dismissed reports of a planned increase in electricity tariffs, urging Nigerians to disregard such claims. He said the government’s priority was to improve electricity supply and work towards achieving round-the-clock power.
Beyond Oyo State, Tegbe said similar Rural Electrification Agency interventions had been implemented in communities across Kwara, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau, Adamawa and Kaduna states.
He identified three proposed energy corridors under the government’s electricity improvement plans: Lagos-Ogun, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano and Benin-Enugu-Port Harcourt. He added that the government planned to strengthen the national grid along the eastern and western corridors, with interventions covering locations including Funtua, Kainji, Gwagwalada, Gombe, Makurdi, Ajaokuta, Ikot Ekpene, Benin and Egbin.
Tegbe expressed optimism that the completion of the Oyo projects would improve livelihoods and expand economic opportunities in the beneficiary communities.
The development comes amid persistent concerns over unreliable electricity supply and the rising cost of alternative power sources for Nigerian households and businesses. Mini-grids use localised power systems to supply electricity to communities, either independently or in coordination with the wider electricity network.
