REA secures land titles for mini-grid projects in Adamawa, Kaduna

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has obtained Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) for sites designated for mini-grid projects in Adamawa and Kaduna states under its Minimum Subsidy Tender (MST) programme.

The approvals, granted by the state governments following engagements with the agency’s leadership, clear a major administrative hurdle and pave the way for project development.

According to the REA, the MST programme adopts a competitive, private sector-driven model to expand mini-grid deployment in underserved communities across the country.

The agency said the issuance of land titles reflects strong support from state governments for infrastructure development and increased private sector participation, noting that such backing is critical for boosting investor confidence.

The MST framework operates under the Nigeria Electrification Project, where the REA identifies and prepares communities, while developers compete for capital grants to install and operate sustainable mini-grid systems.

The initiative is being implemented in phases, with the first phase covering over 163 sites across several states, including Abia, Anambra, Bauchi, Cross River, Kano, Niger, Ondo, Ogun, Plateau and Kebbi.

Overall, the programme is targeting about 213.436 megawatts peak (MWp) of solar photovoltaic capacity across participating communities, with sites organised into state-based clusters to enhance efficiency.

In Adamawa State, Certificates of Occupancy were issued for three interconnected sites: Kofare in Yola South LGA, projected to deliver 8.0 MWp and 19,220 connections; Mbamba in Yola South LGA, expected to provide 0.8 MWp and 2,282 connections; and Saminaka in Fufore LGA, with a projected 2.5 MWp and 4,660 connections.

In Kaduna State, land titles were secured for the Trapco site in Chikun LGA, targeting 2.0 MWp and 3,100 connections, as well as the Makarfi 1 site in Makarfi LGA, expected to deliver 4.0 MWp and 4,000 connections.

The REA said the projects mark a significant expansion of renewable energy infrastructure aimed at improving electricity access in underserved areas while supporting economic activities and local enterprise development.

It added that the swift issuance of land titles highlights the growing role of state governments in driving Nigeria’s energy transition and creating an enabling environment for clean energy investments.