REA commissioned Bakin Ciyawa Mini-Grid

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has commissioned a 390kWp solar hybrid mini-grid in Bakin Ciyawa, located in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. The project marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to expand rural electrification and provide sustainable energy to underserved communities.

The Bakin Ciyawa mini-grid is part of the Interconnected Mini-Grid Accelerated Scheme (IMAS) and was funded through a €11 million grant from the European Union and the German government, with over 60% of the funding provided by these international partners.

Speaking at the commissioning event, REA’s Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, represented by Executive Director Doris Ugoh, described the project as a game-changer for the community. The mini-grid will power homes, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), helping to improve economic opportunities and quality of life in the area.

Aliyu also highlighted the project’s environmental benefits, noting that the Bakin Ciyawa mini-grid is expected to reduce 600 tons of CO2 emissions annually—equivalent to removing 130 cars from the road or planting 15,000 trees every year.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, represented by Commissioner for Tourism Cornelius Doeyok, acknowledged the state’s investment in rural electrification, citing the N1.2 billion counterpart funding allocated to support such projects. The governor emphasized the impact of sustainable energy access on local healthcare, noting that electrified clinics can now store essential medicines and improve medical services.

German Ambassador Karin Jansin also commended the initiative, reiterating Germany’s commitment to enhancing energy access in Nigeria and highlighting the economic and social benefits the mini-grid will bring.

For the people of Bakin Ciyawa, this project marks the first time they have access to electricity. Community representative Hubert Isa expressed deep appreciation, stating that the project represents progress and a brighter future for local residents.

The Bakin Ciyawa mini-grid is part of a broader government initiative to electrify 3,700 communities in Nigeria, with the first phase targeting 925 communities and adding over 92MW of clean energy to the national grid.