Jigawa and Bauchi states are set to benefit from a $4m investment aimed at expanding access to electricity through the development of solar-powered mini-grids in 19 underserved communities.
The investment is being jointly provided by All On and Energise Africa, with Maskh Nigeria Limited selected to implement the project.
The initiative, being undertaken under the Demand Aggregation for Renewable Energy Technology Programme, is expected to provide electricity to about 100,000 people, including households, businesses, schools and healthcare facilities.
The Chief Executive Officer of All On, Caroline Eboumbou, said the project would help address electricity shortages while promoting economic activities in the beneficiary communities.
Eboumbou said, “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.
“Through the deployment of solar-powered mini-grids, the project will extend reliable electricity to homes, schools, health facilities and small businesses, while creating opportunities for productive use of energy and strengthening local economies.”
She added that access to electricity should go beyond simply connecting communities to the power supply, stressing that reliable energy was essential for businesses and individuals to thrive.
According to her, the investment also reflects All On’s commitment to supporting indigenous companies capable of providing practical and scalable solutions to Nigeria’s energy access challenges.
The Chief Executive Officer of Energise Africa, Ray Coyle, said the project would generate lasting social, economic and environmental benefits.
Coyle noted that the participation of UK investors in the project demonstrated their commitment to supporting clean and dependable electricity access in underserved Nigerian communities.
The Director of Operations of Maskh Nigeria Limited, Qaim Mahmood, described the project as a major opportunity for the company to contribute to improving electricity access in the two states.
Mahmood said, “We are deeply moved to play such an instrumental role in bringing clean, reliable power to underserved communities across Jigawa and Bauchi.
“As an indigenous company, we are proud that these 19 mini-grids will impact almost 100,000 people, helping businesses thrive, improving essential services and creating opportunities for the next generation.”
He added that the project would strengthen the company’s technical capacity, create employment opportunities and position it for further investments in the renewable energy sector.
Mahmood also expressed appreciation to All On, Energise Africa and the Rural Electrification Agency for their partnership and confidence in the company’s ability to deliver the project.
The solar mini-grid initiative is expected to reduce dependence on conventional energy sources while improving electricity availability for productive and essential activities across the beneficiary communities.
