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Two mini-grids in Warawa, Kano State, are expected to supply 2,222 households.
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Alfuttaim Nigeria Limited developed the 195kWp and 70kWp projects under the DARES programme.
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New power supply is expected to support agricultural processing, small businesses and healthcare services.
October 23, (THEWILL) – The Rural Electrification Agency has restored electricity to two communities in Warawa Local Government Area of Kano State after 16 years without power, commissioning mini-grid projects expected to serve 2,222 households.
The projects comprise a 195-kilowatt-peak mini-grid in Ballagaza and a 70kWp system in Marayar Rogo. The REA said the installations were delivered under the Federal Government’s Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up programme, with support from the World Bank.
The agency’s Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, disclosed this during the commissioning, describing the projects as part of efforts to expand electricity access under the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which targets power supply for more than 17 million Nigerians.
Private Investment Drives Mini-Grid Projects
Aliyu said the projects demonstrated how public-private partnerships could expand electricity access in underserved communities.
He explained that Alfuttaim Nigeria Limited financed the construction and would own and operate the mini-grids, while government support under the DARES programme subsidised part of the cost to make electricity more affordable.
“Under DARES, Nigeria is working toward 1,350 mini-grids, and the programme has already brought new or improved electricity to more than five million Nigerians”, Aliyu said.
He added that expanding access would require sustained cooperation among government agencies, private investors and beneficiary communities.
The REA chief also commended Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf for prioritising electricity access and creating an enabling environment for the projects.
Alfuttaim co-founder Nabilah Sani said the installations would supply households and support agricultural productivity. She disclosed that the two projects were among 10 sites the company was developing in Kano State and urged residents to protect the infrastructure against vandalism.
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Electricity Expected To Boost Agricultural Processing
The new power supply is expected to support agricultural processing and small-scale businesses in the beneficiary communities, where unreliable electricity has constrained economic activity.
The wider area produces groundnuts, millet, sorghum and soya, while local livelihoods also include blacksmithing, weaving and dyeing.
Access to electricity could allow groundnut processors to use electric machinery to produce groundnut oil and kuli-kuli, potentially increasing output and improving the value of their products.
The mini-grid is also expected to supply electricity to a primary healthcare centre that previously operated without power, improving access to basic services.
The projects add to Nigeria’s efforts to extend electricity beyond the national grid through decentralised renewable-energy systems. Their long-term impact will depend on reliable operations, affordable tariffs, and sufficient power supply to meet household and commercial demand.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze is a writer specializing in business and economic journalism. At THEWILL News Media, she translates market trends, financial developments, and policy shifts into clear and engaging stories.
