REA Delivers Electricity to FCT Villages via 1MW Korean-backed Mini-Grids

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA), in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Korea, has successfully commissioned a 1MW combined capacity clean energy infrastructure, delivering stable, reliable electricity to two FCT villages under the Korean Energy Project (KEP).
The managing director/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, who made this known at the official unveiling of the project on Thursday, said that the project includes a 900 kWp solar hybrid facility in Rubochi and a 100 kWp system in Ikwa, both within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with the three mini-grids now fully operational and providing stable, reliable electricity 24/7 to households, small businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and commercial clusters.

According to Aliyu, the KEP represents one of the most impactful and timely Official Development Assistance (ODA) interventions received by the Nigerian Government, seamlessly implemented by the REA to reflect Nigeria’s commitment to accelerating universal energy access through sustainable, community-driven solutions. He noted that in Rubochi alone, approximately 2,500 households and institutions are now connected to reliable power, while Ikwa has recorded 300 connections so far.Aliyu highlighted the immediate transformative impact, stating that small businesses are extending operations beyond daylight hours, students are learning in safer and better-lit environments, healthcare delivery is more reliable, and local economic activities are expanding, creating jobs and strengthening livelihoods.

The MD/CEO described the project as a fully integrated energy solution combining robust solar generation, a modern distribution network, advanced metering infrastructure, and household energy appliances including lighting points and sockets, enabling immediate productive use of electricity.
He added that at the national level, an advanced energy management system has been deployed at REA headquarters, providing real-time operational visibility and continuous technical oversight and support to the Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs) responsible for operations and maintenance.

Aliyu further stated that through the REA’s Rural Electricity Users Cooperative Societies (REUCS) framework, the agency has worked closely with RESCO operators and community stakeholders to promote responsible energy use, strengthen local ownership, and address issues such as vandalism and inefficient consumption.
He credited the project’s success to exemplary community buy-in, particularly the leadership of the Zaki of Rubochi.

The minister for the FCT, Nyesom Wike, represented by Chief of Staff Hon. Chidi Amadi, commended the REA for aligning its interventions with the FCT administration’s development efforts.
Also, the minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, represented by permanent secretary Engr. Mahmuda Mamman, reiterated the federal government’s commitment to alleviating energy poverty.
He said that by leveraging innovation, public-private collaboration, and institutional coordination, we are driving systemic reforms that strengthen grid resilience while expanding off-grid solutions.
Our goal is clear: reliable, affordable, and clean energy for all Nigerians, powering economic growth, job creation, and national development.”

While reiterating the federal government’s commitment to alleviating energy poverty, the Adelabu, explained that “Distributed renewable energy remains a critical pillar in closing the access gap efficiently and sustainably. By leveraging innovation, public-private collaboration, and institutional coordination, we are driving systemic reforms that strengthen grid resilience while expanding off-grid solutions.
Our goal is clear: reliable, affordable, and clean energy for all Nigerians, powering economic growth, job creation, and national development.” Aliyu, explained “at the Rural Electrification Agency, we are intentional about deploying clean, reliable, and community-driven energy solutions that catalyze socio-economic transformation. This intervention is not just about megawatts installed, it is about livelihoods supported, emissions reduced, and local ecosystems strengthened”.

Having enjoyed stable electricity for 5 months through the mini-grid, prior to the commissioning date, the HRH Sa’Rubochiyi of Rubochi, Alhaji Muhammed Ibrahim, explained that “for years, our people struggled with unreliable power, limiting our businesses, our children’s education, and even access to basic services. This solar project has brought light, but more importantly, it has brought hope. Our traders can now extend their working hours, our youths can learn with better tools, and our health services can function more effectively”.

Representing the Korean Government, the Charge d’ Affaires, Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Namgoong Tak, expressed delight with the collaboration between Nigeria and Korea, as well as the REA’s sustained dedication to the delivery of the interventions. The Korean Energy Project demonstrates how strategic international collaboration can accelerate Nigeria’s electrification agenda while embedding sustainability, local content, and community ownership at its core.
The REA calls on the people of Rubochi and Ikwa to take full ownership of these assets, protect them, utilize them productively, and support the systems that will ensure their long-term success.