The Solar Power Naija Programme created by the Federal Government is expected to increase energy access through 5 million new solar connections, increase local content in the off-grid solar value chain and create 250,000 new jobs in the energy sector.
Minister of Power, Engr Abubakar D. Aliyu stated this on Thursday at the ongoing President Muhammadu Buhari Scorecard Series (2015-2023).
Aliyu said the ministry had put a focus on electricity and poverty aleviation.
“It is proven through various studies that there is a strong nexus between lack of electricity access and poverty.”
He said the Ministry was working with Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to expand the Rural Electrification Fund to create more opportunities for rural access.
His words: “Under the Economic Sustainability Plan, the Federal Government has created the Solar Power Naija Programme, which is expected to increase energy access through 5 million new solar connections, increase local content in the off-grid solar value chain and create 250,000 new jobs in the energy sector.
”We have put a focus on electricity and poverty. It is proven through various studies that there is a strong nexus between lack of electricity access and poverty.
“Prior to this administration, there was no coherent policy on Rural Electrification with key provisions of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act to electrify rural populations largely ignored.
“This Administration established the Rural Electrification Fund that provides up to 70% grants for rural mini-grid and solar home systems.
“Currently REF has provided electricity for more than 300,000 citizens in its short existence.
“The Ministry is working with REA to expand the Rural Electrification Fund to create more opportunities for rural access.”
”With regards to completion of rural off-grid projects across the country, Mr. President has recently commissioned a number of mini-grids and grid extension rural electrification projects across the country, including: – 60kw Solar Hybrid Mini-Grid project in Kuchi community, Lapai LGA of Niger State (September 2022)
“- 150kw Solar Hybrid Mini-Grid project in Tella community, Gassol LGA of Taraba State (September 2022);
“- Rural Electrification Grid Extension project at Emukutu, lkebe, and Ojagbo communities in Kogi East Senatorial District of Kogi State (November 2022);
“- Rural Electrification Grid Extension project in Anguwan-Kura, Ayetoro-Egbede, lsanlu and Olujumu communities in Kogi West Senatorial District of Kogi State (November 2022);
“- 1 OOkw Solar Hybrid Mini-Grid project at Atekombo community in Ushogo LGA of Benue State (November 2022).
”For effectiveness of the contract-based market and to avoid conflict of interest and the risk that exist in the current structure of TCN, the Ministry has been working with other stakeholders on re-positioning TCN into two agencies wholly owned by the government. Engagements on this matter are still ongoing and progressing well.
“I made clarification in a statement in October of this year that there is no intention to privatize TCN, but we must re-position it for effective operation and service delivery.
”We are seeing renewed investor confidence with the successful privatizations of the Afam Power Plants, the Yola Electricity Distribution Company, and the restructuring of the Aba Integrated Power Project.
These three transactions signalled a return to large investments and netted the FGN more than N130 billion through the National Council on Privitization and BPE.
”Under the Economic Sustainability Plan, the Federal Government has created the Solar Power Naija Program, which is expected to increase energy access through 5 million new solar connections, increase local content in the off-grid solar value chain and create 250,000 new jobs in the energy sector.”
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