The Federal Government of Nigeria commissioned a 40kWp solar hybrid mini-grid in Rafinzurufi Community, Gwagwalada Area Council, within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on Saturday.
This initiative, executed through the Rural Electrification Agency under the Rural Electrification Fund’s Call 2 programme, aims to provide clean, affordable, and reliable electricity to underserved communities in Nigeria.
The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, represented by Special Adviser Michael Bawa, underscored the project’s potential to drive socioeconomic transformation in Rafinzurufi.
“Beyond the illumination of a vibrant community such as Rafinzurfi, there is no doubt that the men, women, and children in this community will now experience socioeconomic transformation like never before. Electricity is a catalyst, and access to sustainable electricity creates opportunities and possibilities for previously unconnected citizens.
“This is why the work being done in rural communities by the REA further shows that the Federal Government of Nigeria is keen on leaving no one behind in the delivery of its developmental programs,” she stated.
The Managing Director/CEO of the REA, Abba Aliyu represented by the Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund, Doris Uboh, reiterated the Agency’s dedication to electrifying rural areas.
“Today, as we officially commission this mini-grid, we are not merely ushering in brighter nights and productive days in this vibrant community. We are unlocking opportunities for all,” she said.
She emphasised the importance of reasonable tariffs for the sustainability of the solar power project in Rafinzurfi Community.
“Well, you know this is a lot of funds that have been sunk into this project, so you cannot expect it to be free. What you should expect is a reasonable tariff for the community to be able to afford it and gradually grow their business,” she stated.
According to the ED, providing absolutely free electricity would lead to the collapse of the project, as it would be unsustainable. Instead, the agency plans to establish a Rural Electrification Cooperative Society, comprising indigenes of the community, to oversee the project’s maintenance and ensure its longevity.
“If you give it for free, that means you want this place to collapse because you won’t be able to sustain it. And the sustainability plan, like we said earlier on, is to inaugurate a committee… that will be made up of indigents from this community. They will be trained on how to handle minor maintenance on the panels,” she explained.
The committee will serve as first responders to any issues arising from the project, reporting to the REA, the project developer, or the zonal coordinator’s office as needed.
“So we do have plans to make sure that this goes a long way. The batteries of this project, the panels… we have plans in place to ensure the project’s sustainability,” the ED added
Highlighting the transformative impact of the project, CEO of NAYO Tropical Technology Limited, Anayo Okenwa pointed out how the initiative has curbed rural-urban migration.
“This project has reversed rural-urban migration. The community is expanding, and we can see the kind of development electricity brings. We look forward to the expansion of the project. We want to thank the Rural Electrification Agency for their support to us and the development of electricity projects across the country,” Okenwa remarked.
The Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Abubakar Giri, represented by Muhammad Ibrahim Gasheda, extended his gratitude to the residents of Rafinzurufi for their cooperation during the project’s implementation.
“To the people of Rafinzurufi, I say congratulations. I appreciate your support and cooperation during the implementation of this project in this community. It is my prayer that it will help increase and bring more investors to this community,” he said.
The community leader, Etsu of Rafinzurufi, Yunusa Musa, expressed his satisfaction with the project, acknowledging the Federal Government’s commitment to rural development.
“This project has now made us believe in the promises of the Federal Government. Indeed, this is a sign that the Government has not forgotten the rural people of this country,” the Etsu stated.
The community also pledged their support to secure the facility.
“Already the plan is that we will have the vigilantes who are protecting the solar house. Nothing will happen to it. Because day and night they are watching it.” the leader said.