Minister of Steel Development Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu on Friday performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a 20-megawatts mini-grid power project in Egume, Dekina local government area of Kogi State, described as the largest mini-grid power project in North Central Nigeria.
The ceremony also featured the commissioning of two mini-grid projects in Kogi East—a 700-kilowatt facility in Offa, Olamaboro local government area and a 400-kilowatt facility in Emewe Efopa community in Dekina local government area.
Speaking during the event, Prince Audu said the projects, valued at over $100 million, were part of the federal government’s efforts under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to improve electricity access, stimulate economic growth, enhance security and improve the living standards of citizens.
According to the minister, the initiative forms part of the “Light Up Kogi” programme is championing to expand reliable power supply across Kogi State, particularly in Kogi East.
He noted that the projects, being implemented through the Federal Ministry of Power and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), demonstrate the Tinubu administration’s commitment to grassroots development and sustainable infrastructure.
“Today is a good day for Igala land. The groundbreaking of this 20-megawatt project, the largest mini-grid power project in North Central Nigeria, demonstrates President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the development of our people.
“Through our engagements with the Rural Electrification Agency and the Federal Ministry of Power, we have secured over 40 mini-grid electrification projects across the nine local government areas of Igala land,” Audu stated.
The minister said the federal government, in partnership with the World Bank through the REA, had secured funding of nearly $100 million for mini-grid projects across Igala land. He urged host communities to cooperate with government officials and project developers to ensure the successful implementation of the projects.
He emphasised that access to reliable electricity remained a critical driver of economic development, noting that the projects would boost businesses, improve healthcare and education services, strengthen security, and create new opportunities for residents.
Prince Audu also expressed appreciation to the Minister of Power, Mr. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, for approving the projects and commended the managing director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Alhaji Abba Abubakar Aliyu, for the agency’s support and technical expertise.
In his remarks, REA managing director, Alhaji Abba Abubakar Aliyu, praised the minister for attracting significant development projects to Kogi State, particularly Kogi East.
He disclosed that approximately 29 megawatts of renewable energy projects have been secured for Kogi State through the Minister’s efforts, with nearly 20 megawatts located within Igala land.
“The Honourable Minister has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the development of his people. Through his efforts, about 29 megawatts of renewable energy projects have been attracted to Kogi State. These projects will provide reliable and affordable electricity to homes, businesses, schools and healthcare facilities, creating new economic opportunities for the people,” Aliyu said.
He further explained that the Egume mini-grid project would occupy more than five hectares of land and would be integrated with existing electricity infrastructure to ensure sustainable power supply. He expressed optimism that the project would be completed within six months.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Ejeh of Dekina, Alhaji (Dr.) Usman Obaje, OON, commended Prince Audu for facilitating the projects and described him as a worthy son of Igala land. He assured the Federal Government of the continued support of the people for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
The power projects are expected to significantly improve electricity access across the benefiting communities while driving economic activities and enhancing socio-economic development in Kogi East.
