The Federal Government has commenced major Kogi Power Projects, including a 20-megawatt mini-grid electricity initiative in Egume, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. The project, valued alongside other installations at over $100 million, was unveiled by the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, as part of efforts to expand rural electrification and improve economic development in the state.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the 20MW mini-grid was held on Friday in Egume and is expected to become the largest mini-grid power project in North Central Nigeria. The initiative is part of a wider federal intervention under the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at expanding access to reliable electricity in underserved communities.
Alongside the flagship project, two additional mini-grid installations were commissioned in Kogi East. These include a 700-kilowatt mini-grid in Offa Community, Olamaboro Local Government Area, and a 400-kilowatt mini-grid in Emewe Efopa Community, Dekina Local Government Area.
Minister Shuaibu Audu stated that the Kogi Power Projects are being implemented under the Ministry of Power through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), with funding support involving the World Bank. He noted that the total investment for the intervention is estimated at over $100 million.
According to a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Lizzy Okoji, the minister described the initiative as part of the “Light Up Kogi” programme, which aims to expand electricity access, improve security, and stimulate economic activities across Kogi East and the wider state.
Audu said: “Today is a good day for Igala land. The groundbreaking of this 20-megawatt project, the largest mini-grid power project in North Central Nigeria, demonstrates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the development of our people.”
He added that over 40 mini-grid electrification projects have been secured across the nine local government areas of Igala land through engagements with the Rural Electrification Agency and the Federal Ministry of Power.
The minister also stated that the Kogi Power Projects would enable businesses to grow, improve healthcare and education services, and enhance overall living standards. He further noted that reliable electricity remains a key driver of economic and social development.
The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Alhaji Abba Abubakar Aliyu, praised the minister’s efforts, stating that about 29 megawatts of renewable energy projects have been attracted to Kogi State, with a significant portion located in Igala land.
He added that the Egume 20MW project would be built on over five hectares of land and integrated with existing infrastructure to ensure sustainable power supply. According to him, the project is expected to be completed within six months.
The Kogi Power Projects are expected to strengthen rural electrification, support small and medium-scale enterprises, and improve access to essential services in health and education. The intervention also aligns with broader national efforts to increase renewable energy penetration and reduce infrastructure gaps in underserved regions.
Stakeholders note that improved electricity supply could enhance productivity and attract private investment into local communities, particularly in agribusiness and small-scale manufacturing.
