By Constance Athekame
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Government of Korea have successfully electrified Rubochi and Ikwa Communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with a 1-Megawatt (MW) solar mini-grid.
The project, tagged the “Nigerian-Korean Energy Project,” is expected to power over 4,000 households, delivering 900 kilowatts (kW) of electricity to Rubochi and 100 kW to Ikwa.
Since its inauguration five months ago, the 1MW clean energy system has been catalysing socioeconomic growth, improving security, and powering schools and hospitals in both communities.
The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, at the inauguration ceremony held on Thursday in Rubochi, Kuje Area Council, the Minister of Power, emphasised that the project represented more than infrastructure delivery.
The minister was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry Mahmuda Mammam.
According to Adelabu, the project is a tangible outcome of strategic partnership, sound policy, and a shared commitment to inclusive development.
” It re-imposes our belief that access to reliable and sustainable electricity
is not a privilege, but a fundamental driver of socio-economic transformation of all communities.
”The Federal Ministry of Power remains firmly committed to expanding access to clean, affordable, and reliable electricity across Nigeria, particularly for rural and underserved communities.
”This commitment is reflected in our strong support for decentralised renewable energy solutions as a practical and sustainable pathway to closing the nation’s energy access gap,”he said.
According to him, the successful execution of the project once again highlights the pivotal role of the Rural Electrification Agency as the federal government’s flagship institution for last mile electrification.
He said that through innovative programme and strategic partnership, the agency had continued to demonstrate that renewable energy could be deployed at a scalable level with measurable impact on livelihood and local economies.
Adebayo said that the Korean Energy Project being inaugurated aligned with the renewable agenda of this administration.
”Our partnership with the Republic of Korea reflects the strength of international cooperation founded on shared development objectives and technical excellence and mutual trust.
“We deeply appreciate the expertise, innovation, and support provided through this collaboration, which have contributed to the successful delivery of this project.
”I urge the community leaders and beneficiaries to take full ownership of this infrastructure, safeguard it, and ensure its effective and sustainable use, ‘he said.
On his part, the Minister of FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike said that the project was significant in many ways.
Wike, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Chidi Amadi, said that the project was a reflection of the healthy bilateral relations between the Government of the Republic of Korea and the federal government of Nigeria.
”Indeed, it is a testament to the power of partnership and collaboration. It’s a shining example of what we can achieve when we work together to improve the lives of our people.
According to him, through this collaboration, the REA has also proven its capacity to think outside the box, not to mention its willingness to seek modern, innovative and environmentally-friendly energy solutions for rural residents.
He said that the project was also in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, who had shown unprecedented concern for the development of satellite towns and rural communities.
Wike also said that massive infrastructure had already been deployed to the satellite towns and rural communities.
”Our rural roads come with solar fitted lightings and we have since embarked on the light up Abuja project – ensuring that every nook and cranny of the nation’s capital is well-lit.
”Let me use this opportunity to congratulate the over 4,000 households in Rubochi and Ikwa communities that are beneficiaries of this noble initiative.
“To them, I say this project is for you. May it bring prosperity, progress, and joy to your community.
“The FCT Administration is committed to the well-being of all residents and will continue to initiate and support development programmes that will enhance your quality of life,”he said.
The minister also appreciated the Government and people of the Republic of Korea as well as the leadership of the REA for their thoughtfulness in the provision of this strategic infrastructure and for the demonstration of their sincere concern for rural advancemen.
Mr Namgoong Tak, Charge d ‘Affairs Embassy of the Republic of Korea said that the inauguration of the project
marked a successful realisation of a shared vision that began several years ago.
According to him, the project is an in-kind grant funded by the government of the Republic of Korea and implemented in close partnership with the REA.
He noted that the Nigerian government was prioritising solar energy as a key solution to its electricity challenges, adding” the project supports this direction as it aligns with the Presidential Power Initiative.”
He also highlighted that the project included a centralised energy management system at the REA headquarters, which enabled real-time monitoring and improved system management.
” We expect this will strengthen the reliability and sustainability of Nigeria’s mini-grid operations.
”As we have been doing over the past decades, we will continue to work with Nigeria to deliver greater impact to the people of Nigeria,”he said.
Earlier, the Managing Director of REA, Mr Abba Aliyu said that the project marked far more than the unveiling of infrastructure.
He said that it represented the activation of opportunity, productivity, and dignity for thousands of Nigerians.
Aliyu said that the project was designed as a complete, integrated energy solution.
”It brings together a robust solar generation plant, a modern distribution network, advanced metering infrastructure, and household energy appliances including lighting points and sockets that enable immediate productive use of electricity.
”Beyond the community level, an energy management system has been deployed at the REA headquarters, giving us real-time operational visibility and allowing the agency to provide continuous technical support to the Renewable Energy Service Companies responsible for operations and maintenance.
”Because of this comprehensive design, we have created an enabling environment that addresses one of the most persistent challenges in the off-grid sector — long-term sustainability,”he said.
According to him, both sites are fully operational and already providing stable, reliable power to households, small businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and commercial clusters.
”Here in Rubochi alone, approximately 2,500 households and institutions are now connected.
”The impact is immediate and far-reaching. Small businesses can operate beyond daylight hours, students can learn in safer and better-lit environments, healthcare services are more reliable, and local economic activities are expanding creating jobs and strengthening livelihoods,”he said.
The Sa’Rubociyi of Rubochi,His Royal Highness, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim commended REA and the Korean Government for siting the project in his community.
Ibrahim said that the project had brought relief to the community after many years of darkness.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa
