Abiru Says New Epe Mini-Grid Will Boost Businesses, Jobs and Economic Growth
The senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Adetokunbo Abiru, has expressed optimism that the newly commissioned 504-kilowatt-hour interconnected mini-grid in Epe will transform the local economy by providing reliable electricity to businesses, creating employment opportunities, and improving the standard of living for residents.
Speaking in a statement released on Tuesday, Abiru described the project as a major milestone in addressing the long-standing power challenges affecting Epe and surrounding communities.
The mini-grid project, commissioned last week in Epe, was facilitated through a partnership involving the senator, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the European Union, and the German government through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
Represented at the commissioning ceremony by former Chief Whip of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Abdulateef Abiru, the lawmaker said access to stable electricity would significantly benefit traders, artisans, agro-processors, fish merchants, schools, healthcare centres, and thousands of small and medium-sized businesses operating in the area.
According to Abiru, the project is more than just an electricity intervention, as it is expected to stimulate economic activities, encourage business expansion, and improve productivity across the Epe division.
He explained that the successful delivery of the project followed more than four years of continuous advocacy and collaboration to ensure Epe was included in the Interconnected Mini-Grid Acceleration Scheme.
The senator noted that the newly commissioned 504kWh facility represents only the first phase of a larger energy development plan, revealing that a 5-megawatt expansion is already being planned to meet the growing electricity demands of residents and businesses.
He commended the Rural Electrification Agency, the European Union, and GIZ for their commitment to delivering sustainable energy solutions, describing the partnership as an example of effective collaboration between government and international development partners.
Abiru also credited the success of the project to the ongoing power sector reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that the Federal Government’s policies are gradually improving energy access and strengthening electricity infrastructure across the country.
He added that the project demonstrates how national reforms can directly impact communities by creating opportunities for economic development and improved public services.
The senator urged residents to protect the newly installed infrastructure against vandalism and continue supporting policies aimed at promoting sustainable development.
According to him, the progress recorded in Epe reflects the importance of visionary leadership, strategic investments, and continuity in governance, emphasizing that reliable electricity remains a key driver of business growth, job creation, and long-term economic prosperity.