The federal government has unveiled plans to power up all government infrastructures across the 36 states and the FCT with 148 megawatts of clean renewable energy sources.
The Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, who disclosed this said two megawatts of clean renewable energy would be provided in each of the 37 federal universities across the 36 states and FCT.
Speaking in Abuja at a media roundtable, Abdullahi equally stated that the government is providing two megawatts of Solar Hybrid System in each of the 37 tertiary hospitals across the 36 states and FCT.
Daily Trust reports that this is part of the FG’s agenda to diversify away from the electricity grid.
He also spoke on the recent approval of N10bn for the provision of solar electricity for the Presidential Villa, which has stirred public debate.
“Let me announce a novel solarisation programme called the Renewed Hope Solarisation Project, for the provision of 2 megawatts of Clean Renewable Energy in each of the 37 federal universities across the 36 states and FCT.
“Also, the government is providing 2 megawatts of Solar Hybrid System in each of the 37 tertiary hospitals across the 36 states and FCT. Thank you and God Bless Nigeria,” Abdullahi said.
He stated that the recent approval of N10bn for the provision of solar electricity for the Presidential Villa, despite the public debate, is a project that will lead Nigeria to energy prosperity.
‘Energy bills from AEDC not sustainable’
He stated, “The recent approval of N10bn for the provision of solar electricity for the Presidential Villa has stirred public debate. Some questioned its timing and necessity, interpreting it as a deviation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s campaign promise to provide stable electricity and prepaid meters to Nigerians.
“Before President Tinubu’s administration, federal institutions in Abuja, including the Presidential Villa, owed the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) an eye-watering N47.1bn in unpaid electricity bills. That energy bill, paid from taxpayers’ money, is not sustainable.
“Transitioning to alternative and sustainable energy sources significantly reduces such burden and allows government institutions to become models of efficiency by cutting costs and enhancing reliable and sustainable governance.
“Invariably, the move clearly intends to insulate Nigerians from incessant high electricity bills, which underscores the president’s commitment to cutting costs and reducing spending across public and private facilities.
“We may recall that there has always been advocacy for reduction in the cost of governance. Around the world, nations are transitioning profoundly toward renewable energy and the wins are great.
“In Kenya, solar mini-grids now power remote villages, while in Bangladesh, over 20 million people benefit from solar home systems.
“Germany, one of the most industrialised nations, sources nearly half of its electricity from renewables, despite their incomparable solar irradiation intensity when compared with Nigeria. The White House Building (US Presidential House) is not left out among those presidential edifices with alternative power.
“The Aso Rock Villa’s solar power initiative sends a clear message to citizens, investors and global partners that Nigeria is ready to take control of its energy destiny.
“We must lead in Africa by utilising more of the available resources in meeting our needs. Consequently, the gains go far beyond electricity. This initiative opens doors to thousands of jobs in solar panel manufacturing; systems design, installation, operation and maintenance.”
The ECN DG stated that the development will also foster innovation among the indigenous engineers, entrepreneurs, and young graduates seeking opportunities in a global green economy.
Abdullahi said, “It reduces pressure on our overstretched national grid, cuts long-term costs and puts us on a path to energy equity.
“More importantly, it plants the seeds for decentralised renewable power systems that can light up rural communities and empower under-served and unserved communities across the country.
“This initiative is not about lighting up the State House alone; rather, it’s about a long-term energy vision; a vision where Nigeria breaks free from the cycle of energy debt and enjoys uninterrupted energy supply.
“It also comes as a more sustainable, affordable, and accessible alternative for all Nigerians. Let us not be distracted by the price tag but focus on the expected gains.
“The N10bn solar investment is a pathway to a future where every Nigerian can aspire to have uninterrupted, clean, and affordable energy.”
Culled from Dailytrust Newspaper
