Jigawa, Bauchi communities secure $4m solar mini-grid investment

Nineteen communities in Jigawa and Bauchi states are set to benefit from a $4m investment aimed at expanding access to reliable electricity through solar-powered mini-grids.

The funding is being provided by All On and Energise Africa under the Demand Aggregation for Renewable Energy Technology Programme, with indigenous renewable energy company, Maskh Nigeria Limited, selected to implement the project.

The initiative is expected to provide electricity to households, businesses and public institutions while reaching about 100,000 people across the two states.

The Chief Executive Officer of All On, Caroline Eboumbou, said the project would help address persistent energy shortages in communities where access to dependable electricity remained limited.

In a statement issued on Monday, Eboumbou said the mini-grids would supply power to homes, schools, healthcare facilities and small businesses, while creating opportunities for productive economic activities.

“For communities across Jigawa and Bauchi where energy access remains limited, decentralised energy infrastructure can play an important role in enabling economic and social activity,” she said.

Eboumbou said the investment was also part of All On’s efforts to support indigenous energy companies capable of providing scalable solutions to Nigeria’s electricity access challenges.

She added that improved electricity supply would help reduce communities’ dependence on traditional energy sources while supporting local businesses and essential services.

The Chief Executive Officer of Energise Africa, Ray Coyle, said the project demonstrated the impact that investment in clean energy could have on underserved communities.

According to him, the participation of UK investors would help deliver lasting social, economic and environmental benefits to thousands of Nigerians in the beneficiary communities.

Maskh Nigeria’s Director of Operations, Qaim Mahmood, welcomed the investment and said the project would strengthen the company’s capacity to deliver renewable energy solutions.

“We are deeply moved to play such an instrumental role in bringing clean, reliable power to underserved communities across Jigawa and Bauchi,” Mahmood said.

He said the 19 mini-grids would not only improve electricity access for nearly 100,000 people but also support businesses, strengthen essential services and create employment opportunities.

Mahmood thanked All On, Energise Africa and the Rural Electrification Agency for partnering with the company on the project.

Maskh Nigeria Limited comprises professionals with expertise in renewable energy, construction, engineering, electrification and procurement services.