By The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has announced the disbursement of N3.2 billion to Zanoplus for the deployment of solar mini-grid projects in Bauchi State.
The agency disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, noting that the funding is aimed at accelerating electricity access in unserved and underserved communities through decentralised energy solutions.
According to the REA, the disbursement forms part of ongoing efforts under the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) Programme.
The agency described the development as a significant milestone in its mission to close the energy gap in rural communities.
“The Rural Electrification Agency has achieved another significant milestone in its mission to close the energy gap in unserved and underserved communities with the successful disbursement of N3.2bn to Zanoplus,” the statement said.
It added that the funding would support the rapid deployment of solar mini-grid projects across strategic locations in Bauchi State, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to decentralised energy solutions.
The REA explained that the development followed a recent N7.4 billion disbursement to Ventura Logistics Services for a 7-megawatt mini-grid project in Ebonyi State, also implemented under the DARES Programme.
The agency noted that both projects were designed to drive private sector participation through local financing structures and partnerships with indigenous financial institutions.
It further disclosed that the funding structure was backed by a financing agreement with Lotus Bank, which established a N100 billion revolving credit facility to support renewable energy projects.
Under the arrangement, developers can access up to N8 billion in equipment procurement financing with repayment tenures of up to 18 months, while the bank provides up to 90 per cent counterpart funding for projects approved through result-based financing.
According to the REA, the mini-grid deployment by Zanoplus will deliver more than 1.2 megawatt peak (MWp) of electricity across several communities in Bauchi State, improving livelihoods and economic activities.
The agency provided a breakdown of the electricity allocations as follows:
450kWp for Gabarin East
400kWp for Futuk
200kWp for Gangalawai
150kWp for Daburai (Gabarin West)
It explained that the mini-grid systems would operate independently of the national grid to provide reliable and clean electricity to remote communities.
Commenting on the initiative, the Managing Director of the REA, Abba Aliyu, emphasised the importance of efficiency and transparency in project implementation.
He stated that the speed and transparency of the disbursement process demonstrate the strength of local financing capacity being mobilised by the agency.
Aliyu added that the steady flow of investment reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector and highlighted the increasing role of Nigerian financial institutions in driving energy infrastructure development.
