A grant agreement has been signed by the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), with the goal of providing off-grid electricity to 7,747 clients in Jigawa, Nasarawa States, Nigeria.
Two mini-grid developers, ACOB Lighting Tech. Ltd. and Offgrid Electric Ltd., signed the grant agreement.
The developers fulfilled the strict requirements to be included in the Minimum Subsidy Tender (MST) sub-component, which is run by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under the direction of Engineer Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad and sponsored by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The objectives of this agreement are to improve off-grid electricity generation in Jigawa State and Jigawa State, respectively.
During the signing event in the nation’s capital, Abuja, Mr. Abba Aliyu, Head of NEP’s Project Management Unit, expressed hope about the agreement’s good impact.
He states that “the developers agree to deliver within the specified timeframe by signing the grant agreement.” We expect them to fulfill the contract’s requirements for both quantity and quality within the given time frame.
Mr. Aliyu also urged developers to leverage on the opportunities presented by MST projects to create a linkage by promoting productive use of equipment within communities in these two States.
He emphasised that creating a nexus between the Minimum Subsidy Tender (MST) and PUE, both funded by the AfDB, will enhance the sustainability of mini-grids and further facilitate rapid socio-economic development in communities, aligning with the project’s objectives.
For his part, the CEO of ACOB Lighting Tech. Ltd, Mr. Alexander Obiechina, the CEO of expressed gratitude and firm commitment to fulfilling all contractual obligations.
Managing Director, Offgrid Electric Limited ,Khalis Muhammed, speaking on the successful signing of the agreement, projected that with careful management of the facility, the lifespan of the project, would experience quality longevity up to 20 years or more.
Approximately, over 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/day and 4,633kWh/day for Jigawa and Nasarawa States, respectively, the project targets to deploy hybrid mini-grid solutions across 21 sites in Jigawa State managed by Offgrid Electric Ltd and 5 sites in Nasarawa State managed by ACOB Lighting Tech. Ltd.
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.
