FG mulls 148mw renewable energy to power govt infrastructure nationwide
Dr. Abbullahi Mustapha
Omeiza Bilal
The Federal Government says it plans to power up all government infrastructure across the 36 states and the FCT with about 148 megawatts of clean, renewable energy.
The Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, who said this at a press briefing Friday in Abuja, explained that 2 megawatts of Clean Renewable Energy in each of the 37 Federal Universities across the 36 states and FCT. Also, the government plans to provide 2 Megawatts of Solar Hybrid System in each of the 37 tertiary hospitals across the 36 States and FCT.
He said, “Let me use this medium to announce a novel solarization program called the Renewed Hope Solarization 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.
On the recent approval of ₦10 billion for the provision of solar electricity for the Presidential Villa, the ECN helmsman said the project will lead Nigeria to energy prosperity.
“The recent approval of ₦10 billion 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 ₦47.1 billion 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 industrialized 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 utilizing 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.
“It fosters innovation among the indigenous engineers, entrepreneurs, and young graduates seeking opportunities in a global green economy.
“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 decentralized 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.
