By AKUDORO GLORIA
The Director General, Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi has justified the N10 billion naira approved by the federal government for the construction of mini solar grid at the Presidential Villa, noting that it will not only improve efficiency in government but also reduce the amount spent on electricity tariff.
Dr. Abdullahi at a press conference at the Commissions office on Friday, explained that a consortium of government agencies are owing distribution companies over N47 billion naira. He said that the Administration of Bola Tinubu is bent of cutting cost of governance and that was the major reason for embarking on the project which at the long run will reduce the amount spent and electricity bills and also provide cleaner and renewal energy in the country.
He said, “Transitioning to alternative and sustainable energy source significantly reduces administrative cost 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 Nigeria from incessant high electricity bills, which underscores the president’s commitment to cutting costs and reducing spending across public and private facilities.
“We may also recall that there has always been advocacy for reduction in the cost of governance by Mr. President. Around the world, nations are transitioning profoundly toward renewable energy and wind. 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 industrialized nations, sources nearly half of its electricity from renewables, despite their incomparable solar radiation intensity when compared with Nigeria. The U.S. presidential house, popularly known as White House, is not left out among those presidential edifices with alternative source of energy”.
The Director General said that the mini grid at the villa will send clear signals to investors that Nigeria is committed to clean energy generation and distribution. He said that it opens a new window of investment opportunity in the energy sector. He said that the initiative is not just targeted at the Presidential Villa but will ultimately extend to different localities where energy is a major challenge.
“The Aso Rock Villa solar power initiative sends a clear message to citizens, investors and global partners that Nigeria is ready to take control of its energy needs. We must lead in Africa by utilizing more of these available sources in meeting our needs. Consequently, the gains go far beyond electricity.
“Number one, the initiative opens doors to thousands of jobs in solar panel manufacturing, system design, installation and operation and also maintenance.
“Two, it fosters innovation among the indigenous engineers, entrepreneurs and young graduates seeking opportunities in a global green economy. It also reduces pressure on our overstretched cellular grid, cuts loan costs and puts us on the path of energy equity.
“More importantly, it plants the seeds of decentralization. Decentralized renewable power systems that can light up rural communities and empower underserved and also unserved communities across the nation. The initiative is not about lighting up the state house alone. Rather, it is 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”.
He however dismissed the insinuation that the government is shying away from providing adequate energy across the country by building the mini grid at the villa only. He announced that the government intends to ensure that there is adequate power availability for all citizens through its “solarization initiative”.
“This program is called the Renewable Solarization Project for the provision of 2 megawatts of clean renewable energy in each of the 37 federal universities plus FCT. Also, the government is providing 2 megawatts of solar hybrid system in each of the 37 federal tertiary institutions and hospitals across the 36 states and FCT. And this project is being implemented by the Energy Commission of Nigeria.
“Funds have been allocated already for this project, which the Energy Commission has begun by conducting what they call energy audits within this institution across the nation. And we are very confident that by the end of the year, we’ll be having 2 to 4 megawatts of solar PV systems or solar electricity hybrid system across all federal universities and across all federal hospitals in the country”.
The Director announced that it has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Lontor, the biggest renewal energy company China, for building solar energy infrastructure in the country and deploying solar services across different parts of the country.
“We recently signed an MOU with the biggest solar company in the world called Lontor in China. They are coming to Nigeria to set up clusters, solar packs across all the industrial areas.
“They are starting with the free trade zone, like the artificial technology village, free trade zone across all states. They are not only importing the solar PVs or batteries, they are also coming here to set up the factory here in Nigeria so that Nigeria will start producing and also importing the solar PV modules, the panels, and also batteries if possible. So we are looking at localization and also domestication of this energy technology in the country”.