The Federal Government has begun construction of five interconnected mini-grid projects with a combined capacity of 17.7 megawatts in Oyo State, aiming to improve electricity supply to homes and businesses.

Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe announced the development at the projects’ groundbreaking ceremony, identifying the initiative as part of the government’s efforts to expand electricity access and reduce reliance on petrol and diesel generators.

The projects are located in Akinyele, Ido, Ibadan North, Egbeda and Lagelu local government areas. They comprise the Bola, Jiboye, Molade-Adelubi, Ogo Oluwa and Sooko-Elega mini-grids.

The facilities will be supported by a 17.74-megawatt battery energy storage system intended to improve supply reliability and help meet electricity demand.

According to the minister, the projects are expected to give households and businesses more dependable power, extend operating hours and create opportunities for investment and employment in the beneficiary communities.

The initiative involves collaboration among the Rural Electrification Agency, Paras Energy and Natural Resources Development Limited, the World Bank and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, alongside the Oyo State Government and host communities.

Tegbe acknowledged the contributions of community leaders and traditional rulers, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, towards the implementation of the projects.

He noted that similar electricity interventions supported by the Rural Electrification Agency had been carried out in Kwara, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau, Adamawa and Kaduna states.

Meanwhile, the minister dismissed reports of an impending electricity tariff increase, saying the government’s focus was on improving power supply rather than raising rates.

He also identified the Lagos-Ogun, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano and Benin-Enugu-Port Harcourt corridors as areas of focus in the government’s wider plan to expand electricity availability and work towards round-the-clock power supply.