EGUME, KOGI STATE — Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, has launched what stakeholders describe as a major rural electrification push in Kogi State, performing the groundbreaking of a 20-megawatt mini-grid power project in Egume, Dekina Local Government Area, alongside the commissioning of two other mini-grids in Kogi East.
The Egume project, which is billed as the largest mini-grid power installation in North Central Nigeria, is part of a wider federal intervention aimed at expanding electricity access to underserved communities under the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
At the same event on Friday, June 5, 2026, the Minister also commissioned a 700-kilowatt mini-grid in Offa Community, Olamaboro Local Government Area, and a 400-kilowatt mini-grid in Emewe Efopa Community, Dekina Local Government Area.
Speaking at the ceremonies, Audu said the projects valued at over $100 million form part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to accelerate rural development, boost economic activities and improve living standards.
He noted that the “Light Up Kogi” initiative he is championing seeks to expand electricity access across Kogi East and the entire state, describing power supply as central to economic growth, security and social development.
“Today is a good day for Igala land. The groundbreaking of this 20-megawatt project demonstrates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the development of our people,” he said.
According to him, over 40 mini-grid projects have already been secured across the nine local government areas of Igala land, adding that communities would begin to experience improved power supply in the coming months.
Audu further disclosed that in collaboration with the World Bank through the Rural Electrification Agency, nearly $100 million has been mobilised for mini-grid electrification projects across the region.
He urged host communities to cooperate with contractors and government agencies to ensure smooth implementation, stressing that electricity remains a key driver of industrial growth, education, healthcare delivery and job creation.
The minister also commended the Minister of Power, Mr. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, for approving the projects, and the Managing Director of REA, Alhaji Abba Abubakar Aliyu, for what he described as strong technical and institutional support.
REA Managing Director, Alhaji Abba Abubakar Aliyu, praised Audu for his sustained advocacy for development in Kogi State, describing him as a strong voice for the region at the Federal Executive Council.
He said the projects would collectively deliver about 29 megawatts of renewable energy to Kogi State, with a significant portion sited in Igala land, adding that they would power homes, businesses, schools and health facilities.
According to him, the Egume project will sit on over five hectares of land and is expected to be completed within six months, with integration into existing power infrastructure to ensure sustainability.
Traditional rulers in the affected communities also expressed appreciation for the intervention.
The Ejeh of Dekina, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji (Dr.) Usman Obaje, OON, described the minister as a worthy son of the soil, thanking him for attracting what he called a “transformational project” to Igala land and pledging community support for the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
