REA Restores Power to Kano Communities After 16 Years

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has successfully restored electricity to two communities in Warawa Local Government Area of Kano State after a 16-year absence of power. The agency commissioned mini-grid projects, including a 195-kilowatt-peak mini-grid in Ballagaza and a 70kWp system in Marayar Rogo, which are expected to serve 2,222 households.

This initiative is part of the Federal Government’s Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) programme, supported by the World Bank. REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu stated that these projects are aligned with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to provide power supply to over 17 million Nigerians.

The construction was financed by Alfuttaim Nigeria Limited, which will own and operate the mini-grids, while the DARES programme subsidized part of the costs to enhance affordability. Aliyu acknowledged Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf for his support in prioritizing electricity access.

Nabilah Sani, co-founder of Alfuttaim, noted that the projects would also bolster agricultural productivity.