Nigeria DARES Reaches Milestone as REA Signs First Grant Agreements with Renewable Energy Companies
In a significant step toward closing Nigeria’s energy access gap, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has signed the first set of grant agreements under the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) Project—a $750 million initiative funded by the World Bank. The ceremony marked a major milestone for the project, which targets over 17.5 million Nigerians with improved energy access through decentralized renewable energy solutions.
DARES, a flagship program under the Nigeria Electrification Programme (NEP), is designed to catalyze the off-grid energy market by supporting mini-grids and standalone solar systems through performance-based grants. The initiative is expected to drive inclusive economic growth and improve quality of life in unserved and underserved communities across the country.
First Grants Signed: Mini-Grids and Solar Home Systems
Under the mini-grid component of the program, Privida Power Limited was awarded a performance-based grant to deploy 2.47 MW of solar mini-grids across 11 communities in Kogi State, targeting over 11,000 new electricity connections. These communities include Abocho Ojogba, Emewe Efopa, Icheu, Offa, Ogene Ago, and others, with system sizes ranging from 61kW to 704kW, tailored to local demand.
In addition, eight companies—Baobab Plus, Salpha Energy, Asolar, NTA-StarTimes, A4&T, Sunking (Greenlight Planet), Bboxx, and D.Light—signed agreements under the Standalone Solar Systems (SAS) component. These firms will deploy Tier 1 and Tier 2 plug-and-play solar systems for households and MSMEs, expanding clean energy access to remote and rural communities nationwide.
Leadership Speaks: Scaling Ambition and Impact
REA Managing Director/CEO Abba Abubakar Aliyu described the event as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s energy transition:
“Today marks a significant day. We are signing a grant agreement with Privida Energy to deliver 2.5 MW of clean, reliable power to over 11,000 new connections. For solar home systems, our target under DARES is 1.6 million units—more than what was achieved under the Nigerian Electrification Project. This reflects our intent to scale significantly and address the access challenge at a national level.”
Head of the Nigeria Electrification Programme, Olufemi Akinyelure, highlighted the broader scope of DARES, which will also include interconnected mini-grids and productive use solutions:
“This is just the beginning. We look forward to a very productive programme as we continue working with developers, financiers, and stakeholders to deepen impact across Nigeria.”
Private Sector Commitment and Collaboration
CEO of Privida Power, William O. Akalumbe, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering results:
“We are grateful to be part of this. Our goal is to reach as many lives as possible. You have our full support for DARES, and we are actively raising capital to deliver all committed projects.”
Ayo Ademilua, CEO of A4&T Power Solutions and President of the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN), praised the REA for its commitment and noted the effort involved in getting to this milestone:
“This journey took over a year of coordination and engagement. It’s encouraging to see our members—Privida and others—signing today. DARES is a living programme that will evolve and continue to create real impact.”
A Step Toward Mission 300 and Nigeria’s Energy Goals
Beyond its national objectives, DARES contributes to the broader Mission 300—a global campaign to provide energy access to 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. With this first round of grants, REA is reaffirming Nigeria’s leadership in the region’s off-grid electrification drive.
Through DARES, REA continues to demonstrate how government, development partners, and the private sector can collaborate to build a stronger, more inclusive energy sector. By supporting innovative delivery models and targeted incentives, the project not only expands access but also strengthens local capacity, drives private investment, and supports Nigeria’s broader energy transition.
About the DARES Project
The Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) Project is a $750 million program financed by the World Bank to expand access to clean, decentralized energy solutions in Nigeria. Implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the project supports solar mini-grids, standalone systems, and productive-use technologies through performance-based grants and technical assistance.