•How IPMAN’s CNG Project Concept , Can Consolidate The Agency’s Alternative Cleaner Energy Efforts Nationwide
By Ichie Enyi Ejike-Umunnabuike Jr
Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency, REA , is making some giant strides in imparting positively on rural dwellers..
For the first time since it’s establishment, the Rural Electrification Agency, has recorded what can best be described as a grand breaking administrative scorecard in terms of acceding to the basic-felt and felt-needs of the country’s underserved rural poor and less privileged , by way of access to energy -efficient and electric productive item of equipment.
At least , no fewer than 1, 050,000 underserved house-holds, in addition to 24, 500 Micro , Small and Medium Enterprises [ MSME’s ] , presently have access to energy -based services as the Agency is aggressively implementing the productive use of varied items of equipment and appliances , to give meaning to the Nigerian Rural Electrification Projects [ NEP ].
Hopefully, the youthful , brilliantly intelligent and focused Managing Director Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency, Engr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad , is impressed about the humble achievement profiles so far recorded under his watch.
Speaking at an event in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, during the week, Engr . Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, said that he is happy about current institutional support from the African Development Bank Group , on the productive use of equipment, which he explained would drive the sustainability of off-grid energy infrastructure , across rural communities in the 774 Local Government Councils in Nigeria, given the recent petroleum subsidy removal by the Federal Government.
Engr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, said, ” We are here for the Grant Agreement Signing for the productive use of Appliances Component of the Nigeria Electrification Project [ NEP ] under the African Development Bank funding stream”.
He said, ” at the REA , our mandate is to provide access to electricity to the unserved and underserved house-holds and MSME’s in rural communities of Nigeria. The Agency from inception, has continued to collaborate and support private sector participation in our dedication and commitment to achieve this mandate”.
He explained that , ” beyond keeping the lights on , we are very deliberate about the optimization of productive use of equipment and appliances to catalyze the socio-economic development in off -grid communities”.
In his words, ” we understand how important it is for beneficiaries of the of the off -grid technologies to appreciate the windows of possibilities that , sustainable energy presents and this is why this component is very important”.
Engr .Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, who has now been named , ”Mr. Rural Electrification Projects” by the NEC of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria [ IPMAN ] led by Elder Chinedu Okoronkwo, for his brilliant scorecard since he assumed office as the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, was very emphatic in his descriptive understanding about the positive support system the Rural Electrification Projects, looks forward to from the International interventionist financial institutions such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank.
He remarked , “through the REA , the Nigeria Electrification Project, { NEP}, which is funded by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, was established to specifically increase access to electricity services to the unserved and underserved sub-populations in Nigeria.
Here , the three most important instruments that define and determine global census, namely, population -sizes, population -patterns and population-distributions , of house-holds, are applied..
He said the same geographical templates were applied to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises { MSME’s ] in rural communities as well as Federal Universities and Teaching Hospitals, through Nigeria.
It is above the above backdrop that the Alh. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, can be seen as having made very significant steps towards improving the productivity and livelihoods of rural communities in Nigeria.
He has also redefined and repositioned the fortunes of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), since he came on board.
The recent financial grant agreements signing , he understood with the international institutions , specifically designed to promote energy-efficient practices, may also consider alternative cleaner energy options, following the Federal Government’s formal removal of the Petroleum Subsidy, compelling the REA to urgently look into very cost-efficient, user-efficient and cheap cleaner energy sources, which has caught the attention of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led APC led Federal Administration.
The new federal administration, having officially removed the petroleum subsidy, has now bought into the full implementation of the Compressed Natural Gas { CNG } project, that would help Medium , Small and Medium Enterprises, groups and individuals.
This move is now being considered by the REA, in strengthening its core mandate , by way of adopting the Compressed Natural Gas, [ CNG ] policy to further meet the rural energy requirements of the poorest of the poor in our villages , local communities, semi-urban centres.
Since these agreements aim to enhance the accessibility and affordability of sustainable energy solutions, thereby empowering rural communities and fostering economic growth, the CNG concept , which is a fault out of the FG’s removal of Petroleum Subsidy , has become most imperative for adoption by the REA management.
With a focus on renewable energy, this initiative by the REA holds immense potential to drive positive change and uplift rural areas.
Expanding Rural Electrification Projects :
The Rural Electrification Agency’s decision to sign grant agreements to boost energy-efficient productivity in rural communities comes at a crucial time.
Access to reliable and affordable energy is often limited in rural areas, hindering progress and economic development and fiscal instruments availability.
By prioritizing energy-efficient practices, the REA is taking a commendable step towards addressing the challenges therein , besides improving the lives and standards of living of millions of under – privileged citizenry, who are equally financially deprived.
Energy efficiency, has far-reaching benefits, including reduced energy consumption, cost savings, and environmental sustainability.
Through these grant agreements, the REA aims to introduce energy-efficient technologies and practices to rural communities, thereby maximizing energy productivity and minimizing waste.
This initiative aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and supports Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable development.
One of the key aspects of the REA’s grant agreements is the emphasis on renewable energy sources.
By promoting the adoption of clean and renewable energy technologies, such as solar power systems and biomass energy, the REA is paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.
This approach not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also helps mitigate the adverse impacts of traditional energy sources on the environment and public health.
The positive impact of improved energy efficiency in rural communities cannot be overstated. Access to reliable energy opens up numerous opportunities, such as powering small-scale businesses, enabling education through electrified schools, and supporting healthcare facilities.
By enhancing productivity and creating an enabling environment for economic activities, these grant agreements have the potential to uplift rural communities, reduce poverty, and bridge the urban-rural divide.
Furthermore, the REA’s commitment to community engagement and empowerment is commendable.
By involving local stakeholders and partnering with relevant organizations, the agency ensures that the grant agreements are tailored to the specific needs and aspirations of rural communities.
This participatory approach promotes ownership, sustainability, and long-term impact.
The Goal – Actualizatiomn Dream For REA Service Delivery To Poor Nigerians :
The signing of grant agreements by the Rural Electrification Agency to boost energy-efficient productivity in rural communities marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards sustainable development. With a focus on renewable energy and community empowerment, these agreements have the potential to transform the lives of millions, driving economic growth, reducing poverty, and fostering environmental sustainability.
As the REA continues its efforts, it is essential for other stakeholders, including government bodies, private enterprises, and international organizations, to collaborate and support these initiatives, ensuring that no rural community is left behind in the pursuit of progress and prosperity.
The National President Of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, the nationwide body for all petroleum products marketers , established by decree in 1978, by a military decree in the administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo,, under the { Perpetual Succession }, Act , Cap 98 of the Laws of Nigeria and later incorporated at the Corporate Affairs Commission, is full of praise for Alh. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, the youthful Managing Director Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency..
Elder Chinedu Okoronkwo , described Alh Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, as a success story in the difficult task of public administration and development administration, given the laudable achievement profiles , he has been able to record , since he came on Board.
Elder Chinedu Okoronkwo, expresses these views while addressing the National Executive Committee of IPMAN.
According to him , IPMAN , has shown interest for a partnership with the REA , to ensure that the shock and possible side-effects of the Petroleum Subsidy Removal by the Federal Government , can be managed through the the provision of alternative cleaner energy , coming in form of the Compressed Natural Gas { CNG } to reach the rural artisans, Tricycle drivers { Keke driver } local food vendors, vulcanizer , motor vehicle mechanics , welders etc.
It is against this background that the drive by the Rural Electrification Agency, at boosting energy -efficient productivity in Nigeria’s rural communities, would help reduce the sociological concept of Rural Poverty To Urban Misery, even as the removal of Petroleum Subsidy by the Federal Government, should be seen as blessing in disguise , making all and sundry to embrace the IPMAN pioneered CNG Project Concept.
Attribution: The writer, Ichie Enyi Ejike – Umunnabuike Jr, is from the stable of THE COSMOPOLITAN Nigeria NEWSPAPERS & TELEVISION LIMITED,
where he doubles as the Group Editor & Executive Vice- Chairman
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