The Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, has said the commissioning of the 504-kilowatt-hour (kWh) Interconnected Mini-Grid in Epe and the groundbreaking of its planned five-megawatt (MW) expansion would stimulate economic activities, create jobs and improve the operating environment for businesses across the area.

The project, facilitated in collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the European Union (EU) and the German Government through GIZ, was commissioned in Epe, Lagos State.

The initiative is expected to strengthen electricity access for households and productive sectors, while supporting enterprise development and improved living standards.

Represented at the event by a former Chief Whip of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Abdulateef Rotimi Abiru, the senator said the successful delivery of the project followed more than four years of sustained advocacy, engagements and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure Epe benefited from the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS).

According to him, the project represents more than an energy intervention, describing it as a milestone in addressing the long-standing electricity supply challenges affecting Epe Local Government Area and its economic potential.

“This project did not happen by accident. It is the result of years of persistent engagement, advocacy and collaboration. Since the initiative commenced over four years ago, we remained committed to ensuring its successful delivery because we understood the transformative impact reliable electricity would have on our people and local economy,” he stated.

Abiru explained that the commissioned 504kWh mini-grid marks the first phase of a broader electricity intervention, while the planned 5MW expansion would significantly increase power supply capacity to support growing economic activities within Epe Division.

He said the larger project would provide improved electricity supply to businesses, agro-processing firms, fish merchants, artisans, schools, healthcare facilities and thousands of small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) that have long struggled with inadequate power supply in Epe and neighbouring communities.

The lawmaker commended the REA, the EU and GIZ for their collaboration in bringing the project to Epe, describing the partnership as a model for sustainable development.

Abiru also linked the initiative to the Federal Government’s efforts to expand energy access and strengthen electricity infrastructure, saying reforms in the power sector were creating opportunities for investments in critical infrastructure.

According to him, the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding energy access, strengthening electricity infrastructure and supporting innovative energy solutions is already yielding tangible results across the country.

“What we are witnessing today is a practical demonstration of how national policies can translate into real benefits for ordinary citizens. President Tinubu’s reforms are empowering institutions and creating opportunities for communities to access critical infrastructure that supports economic growth and development,” he said.

He reiterated his commitment to pursuing people-centred interventions that address the needs of constituents and unlock economic opportunities across Lagos East.

He urged residents to protect public infrastructure and support policies and programmes that promote development.