The Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a 20-megawatt mini-grid power project in Egume, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, in what is being described as the largest mini-grid electricity project in North Central Nigeria.
The ceremony, held on Friday, also featured the commissioning of two additional mini-grid projects in Kogi East—a 700-kilowatt facility in Offa Community, Olamaboro Local Government Area, and a 400-kilowatt installation in Emewe Efopa Community, Dekina Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Lizzy Okoji, the projects are valued at over $100 million and form part of the Federal Government’s efforts to expand access to electricity and accelerate rural development.
Speaking during the event, Audu said the projects align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and are aimed at improving power supply, stimulating economic growth, enhancing security, and improving living standards across Kogi East and the state at large.
He noted that the projects are being implemented through the Rural Electrification Agency under the Federal Ministry of Power and coincide with the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration.
Describing the Egume project as a landmark intervention, the minister said it demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to grassroots development and inclusive economic growth.
“Today is a good day for Igala land. The groundbreaking of this 20-megawatt project, the largest mini-grid power project in North Central Nigeria, demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to the development of our people,” he said.
Audu disclosed that through engagements with the Rural Electrification Agency and the Federal Ministry of Power, more than 40 mini-grid electrification projects had been secured across the nine local government areas of Igala land.
He added that the Federal Government, in partnership with the World Bank through the REA, had secured funding of nearly $100 million for mini-grid projects in the area, urging host communities to cooperate with contractors and government officials to ensure successful execution.
According to him, access to reliable electricity remains a key driver of economic and social development, with the projects expected to boost businesses, improve healthcare and educational services, strengthen security, and create employment opportunities.
The minister also commended the Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, for approving the projects, and praised the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, for the agency’s support and technical expertise.
In his remarks, Aliyu lauded Audu’s efforts in attracting strategic development projects to Kogi State, particularly Kogi East, describing him as an effective representative of the state at the Federal Executive Council.
“The Minister has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the development of his people. Through his efforts, about 29 megawatts of renewable energy projects have been attracted to Kogi State, with nearly 20 megawatts located within Igala land,” he said.
Aliyu explained that the Egume project would occupy more than five hectares of land and would be integrated with existing power infrastructure to ensure sustainable electricity supply. He expressed confidence that the project would be completed within six months.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers in the area, the Ejeh of Dekina, Usman Obaje, commended Audu for facilitating the project and described it as a significant development for Igala land.
He assured the Federal Government and project developers of the support and cooperation of the host communities toward the successful completion of the initiative.