In a landmark energy development in Nigeria’s power sector, Saki, a bustling town in the Oke-Ogun region of Oyo State, is set to receive a daily 22-hour electricity supply following the launch of a 10-megawatt (MW) solar-hybrid power project. The initiative is being championed by De-Janees Concept Limited in collaboration with Chinese energy firm Hexing Electrical Company Limited.
The solar hybrid project, which will be implemented in three phases, marks a significant milestone in bridging Nigeria’s rural electrification gap. The formal agreement was signed in Lagos and attended by executives from both companies. Once completed, it is expected to serve over 4,000 homes in its first phase, with plans to expand to 15 communities covering more than 500,000 residents.
Speaking during the MoU signing, Engr. Isaiah Fatokun, CEO of De-Janees Concept Limited, said the project is designed to reflect the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. According to Fatokun, the company received the necessary approvals from the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), underscoring the government’s endorsement of the initiative.
The first phase of the project will deploy a 2 MW solar system connected via the existing Sango feeder, allowing seamless integration with IBEDC’s distribution infrastructure. This phase is projected to be completed by December 2025 and will power essential infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, police stations, and small businesses across Saki.
Fatokun emphasized that beyond power generation, the project aims to catalyze economic activities, improve public service delivery, and promote environmental sustainability. “Our solution is not just about electricity—it’s about development. With reliable power, we expect significant growth in local business operations, educational outcomes, and healthcare delivery,” he stated.
The Managing Director also revealed that the infrastructure would be scalable. “We’re starting with 2MW but can easily scale up to 10MW and even 30MW, depending on future demand,” Fatokun noted, adding that the project is designed to be financially sustainable, with expectations to break even in as little as six months due to low commercial and technical losses.
The entire 10MW project, supported by the World Bank and REA, is set to be delivered over a timeline of 10 to 18 months. The first phase focuses on the immediate deployment of solar panels and battery systems, while subsequent phases will involve upgrading aging infrastructure, including poles, transformers, and cables.
According to the project’s manager, Engr. Boluwaji Ayeni, deploying solar was a strategic choice. “Many of the current power infrastructures in this area are over 40 years old. Solar is not only faster to deploy than gas or hydro, but also cleaner and more sustainable,” he said.
Simon Ye, Vice President of Hexing Group, noted that this is the company’s first major solar project in Nigeria. “We are deeply invested in delivering sustainable and green energy. This project goes beyond business—it’s about uplifting an entire region,” he said.
Ye added that the equipment is expected to arrive in Nigeria within five months, after which installation will commence. He expressed confidence that the entire project could be completed and commissioned in ten months, provided there are no logistic setbacks.
Fatokun expressed appreciation to the Okere of Saki, Oba Khalid Olabisi, for his support, as well as to key institutions such as Stanbic IBTC, Unity Bank, and government agencies. He disclosed that De-Janees initially applied to REA for a mini-grid license and opted for Saki after rejecting a project in Kano for technical and commercial reasons.
Technical feasibility studies showed that Saki has over 100 petrol stations, hotels, schools, and health institutions, most of which suffer from erratic or no power supply. With the new solar power system, Saki stands to become a beacon of energy innovation in Nigeria’s underserved communities.
As Nigeria grapples with chronic electricity shortages, this 10MW solar project offers a model for sustainable rural electrification. With strategic public-private partnerships, community support, and scalable renewable energy, the Saki solar initiative may soon serve as a blueprint for similar projects across the nation.