Goli Innocent
Lagos — Work on a solar hybrid mini-grid in Akeddei Community, Bayelsa State, is in its final stages, promising reliable and affordable electricity for residents. The project is funded by a $532,828 grant from All On, an impact investing company, and implemented by Darway Coast Ltd.
The mini-grid, part of a wider Niger Delta electrification initiative, is expected to provide 1,058 electricity connections to households, businesses, and public institutions. It follows the success of a pilot mini-grid in nearby Oweikorogha, which supplied 451 connections, exceeding its original target of 430.
The project has involved the installation of critical equipment, training of local workers, and active site construction. These efforts have boosted community confidence that dependable electricity is becoming a reality.
Toun Odetola, Communications Lead at All On, said the initiative focuses on productive-use customers such as small businesses and artisans, aiming to reduce reliance on diesel and petrol generators while supporting local economic activities.
Darway Coast Ltd CEO Henry Ureh explained that the project is a long-term commitment to delivering affordable and reliable electricity in rural communities, noting that local youth have been engaged in construction and training programmes for post-commissioning management.
The hybrid mini-grid combines solar power with backup systems, providing cleaner and more stable electricity in areas where national grid extension is challenging. Energy experts say such projects are crucial for expanding access to power in rural and riverine communities.
Commissioning of the Akeddei mini-grid is scheduled for the second quarter of 2026. Once operational, the project is expected to improve living standards, extend business and school hours, and support economic activities in the community.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to promote renewable energy and decentralised electrification in the Niger Delta, highlighting the potential of hybrid solar systems to address energy access gaps.
