REA Disburses N3.2bn for Bauchi Mini-Grids

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has disbursed ₦3.2bn to Zanoplus for the deployment of solar mini-grid projects across Bauchi State, marking another step in its mission to expand energy access in underserved communities

The funding is part of the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) Program, which encourages private sector participation through indigenous financial institutions.

This follows a recent ₦7.4bn disbursement to Ventura Logistics Services for a 7MW mini-grid initiative, showing momentum in REA’s decentralized energy drive.

Under the framework, backed by a ₦100bn revolving credit facility with Lotus Bank, developers can access up to ₦8bn in equipment financing, with Lotus Bank providing up to 90% counterpart funding.

The Bauchi project will deliver a combined capacity of 1.2MWp, with allocations of 450kWp in Gabarin East, 400kWp in Futuk, 200kWp in Gangalawai, and 150kWp in Daburai (Gabarin West).

REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu said the success of the disbursements lies in “efficiency and integrity of the process,” noting that transparency demonstrates the strength of local financing capacity.

He added that performance-based financing ensures capital flows only to credible projects aligned with delivery milestones, sending “a powerful signal to the global and local investment community that the Nigerian renewable energy market is active.”

Aliyu praised Nigerian financial institutions for becoming primary drivers of renewable energy infrastructure, stressing that streamlined financing and partnerships are key to achieving universal energy access nationwide.