The Federal Government has partnered with the Nasarawa State Government to sustain mini-grid energy projects in the Toto and Amusha communities, thereby expanding rural electrification and clean energy access.

The partnership was implemented through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the REA Dr Abba Aliyu led a delegation to Lafia, where he met with Governor Abdullahi Sule to review the progress of the Amusha and Toto projects.

The meeting focused on strengthening operational structures, improving community participation, and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Representatives from the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), ACOB Lighting Technology, and local beneficiary communities also attended the event.

“These projects are designed to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable electricity while fostering local enterprise and inclusive growth” according to the FG.

Dr Aliyu said the projects are designed to provide clean, reliable, and affordable electricity to rural dwellers while supporting job creation and community ownership.

He added that the mini-grid model, which connects households and small businesses to decentralised solar systems, has already begun transforming local economies and reducing dependence on petrol-powered generators.

Governor Sule described the partnership as a practical step towards economic inclusion and improved living standards.

He noted that the initiative reflects the state’s commitment to complementing the Federal Government’s drive for energy access and rural industrialisation.

According to REA data, more than 130 mini-grids have been deployed nationwide since 2020, connecting over 300,000 people and boosting productivity in agricultural and small-scale industries.

Many of these projects are funded through public-private partnerships under the Nigeria Electrification Project, supported by the World Bank and the African Development Bank.

In Nasarawa, the Amusha and Toto mini-grids are among several renewable projects providing power to previously unserved communities.

Officials say the systems have reduced household energy costs and improved security, enabling businesses to operate longer hours and schools to extend learning sessions.

Nigeria’s current electricity access rate stands at around 55 per cent, with over 85 million people still lacking stable power.

The government plans to raise renewable energy’s contribution to 30 per cent of the national generation by 2030 through solar, hydro, and biomass projects.

REA said it will continue to partner with state governments and the private sector to expand mini-grids across rural Nigeria, targeting markets, schools, and farming clusters to enhance local productivity and food security.

“As part of this effort, REA is working closely with the Nasarawa State Government to ensure the long-term success and community ownership of the Amusha and Toto mini-grid projects” it said.