REA Powers FCT Community After After Decades Without Electricity

Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has installed solar power in Rafinzurfi, a community in Abuja, which had been without electricity for over 100 years.

The REA commissioned a 40kWp solar hybrid mini-grid in Rafinzurfi, a rural community in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), marking a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to expand energy access to underserved areas.

The commissioning event in Rafinzurfi was attended by key dignitaries, including representatives of the FCT Minister of State, the Managing Director of REA, and community leaders. The event celebrated the successful implementation of the mini-grid project under the federal government’s Rural Electrification Fund (REF), a critical initiative aimed at scaling up nationwide energy access.

In his remarks, the managing director/CEO of REA, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, expressed his delight at the activation of the mini-grid, which is designed to power over 138 households, a community clinic, two schools, 16 commercial users, and 11 productive users within Rafinzurfi.

Represented by executive director of the REA Fund, Engr. Doris Ubo, Aliyu emphasised the transformative impact of the project, stating, “Electricity is much more than just a flick of a switch; it is the catalyst for development.”

Ubo highlighted that this project is one of 51 mini-grids to be completed under the current phase of the REF, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to bringing sustainable energy solutions to Nigeria’s unserved and underserved communities.

She said, “You know, a lot of funds have been invested in this project, so you cannot expect it to be free. What you should expect is a reasonable tariff that the community can afford, which will gradually help them grow their businesses. If you provide it for free, it means you want this project to collapse because it will not be sustainable. As we mentioned earlier, the sustainability plan involves inaugurating a committee called the Rural Electrification Users Cooperative Society, composed of indigenes from this community.

They will be trained on how to handle minor maintenance.”

The minister of state for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, also commended the REA for its inclusive approach to rural electrification. Represented by the special adviser on Town Planning, Micheal Bawa, Dr. Mahmoud noted that the activation of the mini-grid in Rafinzurfi is part of a broader strategy by the federal government to ensure that no community is left behind in the pursuit of national development goals.

“Electricity is a catalyst, and access to sustainable electricity creates opportunities and possibilities for previously unconnected citizens,” she remarked.

The community was urged to take full ownership of the facility, ensuring its safety and longevity. The project exemplifies the federal government’s commitment to leveraging public-private partnerships to drive development and underscores the crucial role of renewable energy in Nigeria’s energy mix.

Project manager Anayo Okemwa noted that energy access had been a significant challenge in the area before the project. However, since its implementation, there have been noticeable developments.

“The new roofs you see around, for instance, all came up within the last two years due to the availability of power. This demonstrates the transformative impact of energy access—it has reversed rural-urban migration. Now, the youth are staying in the community instead of moving to Gwagwalada, as they can now perform the same activities here thanks to electricity,” Okemwa stated.

He expressed gratitude to the REA for its continued support and noted that there are currently five mini-grids within the FCT, with one in Gwagwalada Area Council. The agency is also developing a pipeline of about 25 new projects within the FCT, which are expected to be commissioned by the end of 2025.

Okemwa appealed for continued support from the federal government and other stakeholders to improve infrastructure, such as access roads, to complement the electricity supply. He also highlighted that the demand for electricity in Rafinzurfi has exceeded the design capacity of the current system, indicating the need for expansion.

“We are keen to explore collaborations that would allow us to enhance the system and better serve the community,” he added.

The Sarki of Rafinzurfi, Mallam Yunusa Dikko Musa, lauded the federal government for delivering on its promise to uplift rural communities, following the successful completion of a solar light project in the community.

Mallam Yunusa highlighted the transformative potential of the project for the local economy.

“Indeed, this is a sign that the government has not forgotten the rural people of this country. Our community is a peaceful community with hard-working men, women, and youth who are committed to making it an industrial hub. With the arrival of the solar light, we will ensure productivity and economic activity in our community,” he stated.

Expressing gratitude to the community for their support, he emphasised the importance of protecting the project.

“As a representative of the people of the Rwanda community, I want to reassure you of our best cooperation with the developers to make sure that no harm comes to this project. It is our own, and we will protect it as our own,” he affirmed.

Yunusa also extended his appreciation to the federal government, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, the managing director, Board, and Management of the Rural Rehabilitation Agency, and the developers for their roles in the project’s successful completion.

He acknowledged the developers’ efforts in involving community members during construction, which fostered local engagement and ownership.

As the community celebrated this significant milestone, the Sarki made a pastoral appeal for further infrastructural development.

“As we are coming, you see how our road is. This is a pastoral appeal. So I want the directors who are represented here today to please come to our aid,” he urged.