The Africa Mini-grids Programme, an initiative of the Global Environment Facility, with the support of the United Nations Development Programme, the Rural Electrification Agency have subsidized electricity for rural agricultural activities in Nigeria, with a grant of $5.91million.
According to the AMP Project Regional Manager, Mr. Nasiru Ibrahim, the fund is a four-year pilot project to develop rural agricultural value chain across the 36 states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Speaking on the sideline of the GEF-UNDP AMP Inception Workshop in Abuja, he noted that the project will impact on the livelihoods of rural communities.
Explaining that the “beneficiaries are captured by the simple fact that you have a mini-grid on ground there will be a communities of different numbers: 300; 500; 2,000 people be provided electricity in addition to their productive businesses: rice milling, maize grating, irrigation and other activities will also be provided with this electricity at a subsidized rate.”
Ibrahim said the program is financed by the Global Environment Facility; It is a global multilateral environmental fund.
“Of course, Nigeria is part of the UN so it is also a beneficiary of such fund. It has provided Nigeria through the REA with $5.91million to develop pilot projects to demonstrate the electrification of rural communities and rural agricultural value chain.”
Earlier, the REA Managing Director, Engr. Ahmad Salhijo, disclosed that the agency’s projects have been very impactful on the communities to the extent that delivery street lights could place a smile on their faces.
He said: “I just I find it amazing that just because you have been able to deliver one street lights you know, to a community, you realize that has so much impact and enjoy. You see in their eyes. I mean, it’s invaluable and for me.”
