Federal Government has commenced construction of five interconnected solar mini-grid projects with a combined generation capacity of 17.7 megawatts in Oyo State, in a move aimed at improving electricity supply and stimulating economic activities in beneficiary communities.
Gatekeepers News reports that the projects, which were officially flagged off in Ibadan on Thursday, October 15, 2026, are expected to provide a minimum of 20 hours of electricity daily upon completion.
Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, performed the groundbreaking ceremony on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, describing the initiative as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to expand electricity access, strengthen power supply reliability and reduce dependence on petrol and diesel generators.
The five interconnected mini-grids will serve Bola, Jiboye, Molade-Adelubi, Ogo-Oluwa and Sooko-Elega communities across Akinyele, Ido, Ibadan North, Egbeda and Lagelu Local Government Areas of Oyo State.
The project is being developed by Paras Energy and Natural Resources Development Limited, with support from the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the World Bank, the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) and other stakeholders.
According to reports, the initiative includes a battery energy storage system rated at approximately 17.74 megawatt-hours to support electricity delivery and improve supply reliability. It will also involve the installation of 18 new transformers to strengthen distribution infrastructure in the beneficiary communities.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of IBEDC, Deolu Ijose, said the project was expected to provide electricity to approximately 22,597 customers across the five communities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Tegbe said the Federal Government was committed to expanding electricity generation and ensuring that additional capacity translated into tangible benefits for households, businesses and industries.
He explained that improved electricity supply would help businesses extend their operating hours, reduce spending on alternative power sources, increase productivity and create opportunities for investment and employment.
The minister also dismissed reports of a planned electricity tariff increase, urging Nigerians to disregard the claims. He said the government’s priority was to improve electricity supply and work towards achieving round-the-clock power.
Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Abubakar-Aliyu, described the initiative as part of the government’s broader strategy to expand decentralised electricity generation and encourage private-sector participation in the power sector.
He noted that reliable electricity could reduce operating costs for small businesses, support local industries and improve economic activities in underserved communities.
The project also reflects efforts to complement Nigeria’s national grid with localised power systems capable of supplying electricity closer to where it is needed.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, commended the Federal Government for the intervention and called for the timely completion of the project.
Oyo State Government, represented by the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Professor Dahud Shangodoyin, also welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to improving electricity access through different energy solutions.
When completed, the five mini-grids are expected to improve electricity access for households and businesses, support commercial activities and create new economic opportunities across the beneficiary communities.
