The Federal Government has commenced the construction of a 20-megawatt mini-grid power project in Egume, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, performed the groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, describing the project as the largest mini-grid power project in North Central Nigeria.
A statement issued on Saturday by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Lizzy Okoji, said two additional mini-grid projects were also commissioned in Kogi East. They include a 700-kilowatt facility in Offa Community, Olamaboro LGA, and a 400-kilowatt project in Emewe Efopa Community, Dekina LGA.
Audu said the projects, valued at over $100 million, are part of the Federal Government’s efforts to expand access to electricity and drive economic growth under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the projects were secured through collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Federal Ministry of Power, adding that more than 40 mini-grid electrification projects have been attracted to communities across Kogi East.
The Managing Director of REA, Abba Aliyu, said about 29 megawatts of renewable energy projects had been attracted to Kogi State, with nearly 20 megawatts located in Igala land.
He added that the Egume project, which will occupy over five hectares of land, is expected to be completed within six months.
Traditional rulers and community leaders commended the Federal Government and the minister for bringing the projects to the area, expressing optimism that the initiative would boost economic activities and improve living standards.
