Tunde Bakare
The N10 billion Presidential Solar Power Project initiated by the President Bola Tinubu administration, is moving into public institutions where it will provide two megawatts of Clean Renewable Energy in each of the 37 federal universities in the states and the FCT.
The Director-General (DG) of Electricity Company of Nigeria (ECN), Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, who disclosed this in Abuja said government would also provide two megawatts of Solar Hybrid System in each of the 37 tertiary hospitals across the 36 states and FCT.
“The project is in fulfilment of Tinubu’s presidential campaign promise to provide stable electricity supply in the country.
“Experts view the project as a strategic and bold step towards national aspiration and fundamental investment in the future of Nigeria’s energy sector.
“It is also a strategic step towards sustainability, universal access, self-reliance and a leading role in the power supply equation,’’ he said.
The D-G, however, explained that prior to President Tinubu’s administration, federal institutions in Abuja including the Presidential Villa were owing the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) N47.1billion.
According to him, the transitioning to alternative and sustainable energy source will significantly reduce burden and allow government institutions to become models of efficiency by cutting costs and enhancing reliable and sustainable governance.
“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,’’ Abdullahi said.
On the solar power projects, the D-G said the initiative has sent a clear message to citizens, investors and global partners on Nigeria’s readiness to take control of its energy sector.
“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.”
He said that the initiative would plant the seeds for decentralised renewable power systems that could light up rural communities and empower under-served and unserved communities across the country.
Abdullahi urged Nigerians to focus on the expected gains, adding that the initiative was a long-term energy vision.
The clean renewable energy is a source of generating power through hydro energy, solar power and wind power.