Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) has embarked on an Off-Grid Power Generation in Jigawa and Nasarawa states, as it endorsed a grant agreement to kick-start the multi-million project.
It achieved a significant milestone with the grant agreement involving two mini-grid developers, ACOB Lighting Technical Limited and Offgrid Electric Limited.
The developers were said to have met the stringent prerequisites for participation under the Minimum Subsidy Tender (MST) sub-component, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad.
During the signing, the Head of NEP’s Project Management Unit (HPMU), Abba Aliyu, expressed optimism about the agreement’s positive impact, adding that the signing of the agreement committed the developers to deliver within the stipulated timeframe.
He said: “We anticipate them delivering the quality and quantity enshrined in the contract within the agreed period.”
Aliyu urged the developers to leverage the opportunities presented by MST projects to create a linkage by promoting the Productive Use of Equipment (PUE) within the communities.
He emphasised that creating a nexus between the Minimum Subsidy Tender (MST) and PUE, both funded by AfDB, would enhance the sustainability of mini-grids and further facilitate rapid socio-economic development in communities, aligning with the project’s objectives.
“This groundbreaking agreement signals a transformative leap forward in bolstering off-grid power generation in Jigawa and Nasarawa. Approximately 7,747 customers across various localities in these states will gain access to an estimated 3,454Kv PV capacity, promising more sustainable and reliable energy sources.
“With an average daily load of 9,044kWh and 4,633kWh for Jigawa and Nasarawa respectively, the project is poised to deploy hybrid mini-grid solutions across 21 sites in Jigawa managed by Offgrid Electric Limited and five sites in Nasarawa managed by ACOB Lighting Tech. Limited,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ACOB Lighting, Alexander Obiechina, expressed gratitude and commitment to fulfilling all contractual obligations.
He enthused: “This is a significant achievement for us. The location and proximity of this project to Abuja give us very high visibility. We hope the cooperation we’ve received from you will remain sustained.”
Also, the Managing Director, of Offgrid Electric Limited, Khalis Muhammad, expressed satisfaction with the successful signing of the contract, stressing that with the careful management of the facility, the lifespan of the project would experience quality longevity of even up to 20 years or more.
He added: “The NEP, through such collaborations, remains steadfast in its mission of fostering sustainable and inclusive electrification, paving the way for progress and a brighter future for communities in Jigawa and Nasarawa states.”
