Zamfara, REA Launch 37 Solar Mini-Grid Projects to Power Over 125,000 Homes

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA), in partnership with the Zamfara State Government, has commenced the development of 37 solar mini-grid projects designed to provide electricity connections to more than 125,000 households and support economic activities across seven local government areas of the state.

The renewable energy initiative is expected to deliver approximately 18.8 megawatts-peak (MWp) of solar generation capacity, providing an alternative electricity supply for communities that have experienced limited or unreliable access to power.

The intervention forms part of wider efforts to expand electricity access, strengthen local economic development and attract private investment into Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.

Solar Mini-Grids to Reach Seven Zamfara Local Governments

The proposed electricity infrastructure will comprise 35 isolated solar mini-grids and two interconnected systems.

The projects are planned for Gummi, Gusau, Kaura Namoda, Maradun, Shinkafi, Tsafe and Zurmi local government areas.

According to the REA, the development targets 125,106 electricity connections, with the potential to benefit more than 625,000 people based on an illustrative estimate of five people per household-equivalent connection.

The projects are expected to improve access to electricity for residential communities while supporting small businesses, agricultural processing and other productive activities.

Reliable power supply could also reduce dependence on expensive fuel-powered generators, although the financial benefits will depend on electricity tariffs and actual service delivery.

Zamfara Unveils New Electricity Policy to Attract Investors

The project launch coincided with the unveiling of the Zamfara State Electricity Policy, designed to establish a more structured and investment-friendly electricity market.

Governor Dauda Lawal said the policy would support economic transformation by creating conditions for sustainable electricity development.

The state government intends to use the framework to attract private investors, encourage renewable energy projects and strengthen electricity infrastructure.

The policy also reflects the opportunities created by the Electricity Act 2023, which allows states to establish and regulate electricity markets within their jurisdictions, subject to applicable legal requirements.

REA, Zamfara Sign Agreement to Solarise Public Institutions

As part of the initiative, the Rural Electrification Agency and the Zamfara State Government signed a collaboration agreement for the solarisation of public institutions.

The arrangement targets hospitals, schools and other government facilities that require reliable electricity to deliver essential services.

Improved power supply in healthcare facilities could support medical equipment, lighting, refrigeration and emergency services.

Similarly, schools and educational institutions could benefit from improved access to digital learning resources and other electricity-dependent facilities.

The initiative is also expected to create additional demand for renewable electricity, supporting the commercial viability of solar infrastructure investments.

Federal Government Backs Decentralised Electricity Development

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, described the initiative as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to expand decentralised electricity infrastructure and encourage greater participation by state governments.

He emphasised that reliable electricity is essential for economic productivity, healthcare, education, agriculture and job creation.

The minister also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting states that establish favourable conditions for private investment in electricity generation and distribution.

The growing adoption of decentralised renewable energy systems is expected to complement conventional electricity networks, particularly in underserved and remote communities.

REA Highlights Economic Benefits of 125,106 Electricity Connections

Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Dr Abba Aliyu, said the initiative represents a broader approach to rural electrification that combines infrastructure development with market reforms and private-sector participation.

According to him, the significance of the planned electricity connections extends beyond the number of households expected to receive power.

Reliable electricity can improve business productivity, support agricultural value chains, strengthen public services and create employment opportunities.

Aliyu also stressed that sustainable electricity development requires effective regulation, commercially viable tariffs and predictable investment conditions.

Without these supporting structures, electricity projects could face operational and financial challenges after installation.

Zamfara Projects Linked to $750 Million Renewable Energy Programme

The mini-grid initiative is connected to the World Bank-supported Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) programme.

The $750 million programme aims to expand electricity access to approximately 17.5 million Nigerians through mini-grids and other distributed renewable energy solutions.

The programme includes plans for approximately 1,350 mini-grids nationwide.

The Zamfara intervention demonstrates how state-level partnerships can contribute to broader national electrification objectives.

Two Additional Solar Projects Commissioned

Alongside the groundbreaking ceremony, two solar mini-grid installations developed by the Zamfara State Government were commissioned.

The projects include a 1MW solar facility at Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital and a 1.2MW installation serving the Government House.

Together, the two facilities have a combined solar generation capacity of 2.2MW and reported battery storage capacity exceeding 3MW, although the reported storage figure requires clarification in energy-capacity terms.

The event also featured the unveiling of 100 ZamTaxi electric vehicles, 10 electric tricycles intended for maternal healthcare transportation and two compressed natural gas buses donated under the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas.

These projects form part of the state’s wider efforts to integrate cleaner energy and transportation solutions into public infrastructure development.

Reliable Electricity Could Improve Housing and Community Development

Beyond electricity access, the solar mini-grid projects could have important implications for housing development and living conditions in Zamfara.

Reliable electricity is an essential component of functional residential communities, particularly where households require power for lighting, refrigeration, water pumping and other daily activities.

For housing developers, improved energy infrastructure can strengthen the attractiveness of residential locations and reduce dependence on individual power-generation systems.

However, the benefits will depend on project completion, affordability of electricity, maintenance arrangements and the reliability of service delivery.

As Zamfara expands its renewable energy infrastructure, the initiative could provide a model for integrating electricity access with community development, public services and sustainable housing.