The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has advanced its renewable energy drive with the disbursement of over N9 billion to support mini-grid power projects aimed at expanding electricity access in underserved communities nationwide.

In the latest funding round, the agency released N7.95 billion to Havenhill to finance key equipment for four mini-grid projects spanning Taraba State, Kwara State, and Kogi State. Additionally, N1.056 billion was allocated to Faraday & Otstred Limited to execute mini-grid deployments across three locations in Niger State.

The latest disbursement follows earlier funding commitments by the REA, including N7.4 billion for Ventura Logistics Services and N3.2 billion for Zanoplus, reflecting a sustained push to scale up renewable energy infrastructure.

According to the agency, the funding is backed by the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) programme under a Performance-Based Grant framework, supported by a N100 billion Memorandum of Understanding with Lotus Bank.

REA Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, described the disbursements as part of a consistent pattern of investment driving progress in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector. He noted that the steady flow of capital is enabling developers to access equipment and financing, while accelerating project delivery timelines for communities in need of reliable power.

He also emphasised the growing role of local financial institutions in supporting renewable infrastructure, expressing confidence that such partnerships would strengthen the sector and expand electricity access across the country.