The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled a N100 billion solar electrification programme aimed at powering public sector infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and government buildings, with clean and sustainable energy.
The initiative, announced on Friday by the Ministry of Power, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ to enhance energy access, reduce carbon emissions, and address the nation’s chronic power challenges.
The programme, spearheaded by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), will prioritize the deployment of solar power systems across federal institutions nationwide.
According to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, the initiative seeks to transition public infrastructure from reliance on fossil fuel generators to renewable energy, cutting operational costs and improving service delivery.
“This is a bold step toward sustainable development. By powering our schools, hospitals, and government offices with solar energy, we are ensuring reliable electricity while protecting the environment,” Adelabu said during the launch event in Abuja.
The N100 billion fund, drawn from a combination of federal allocations and international partnerships, will support the installation of solar panels, battery storage systems, and mini-grids tailored to the energy needs of targeted facilities.
The programme is expected to benefit over 1,000 public institutions in its first phase, with a focus on rural and underserved areas where grid connectivity remains limited.
The REA’s Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, highlighted that the initiative includes a capacity-building component to train local technicians for the maintenance of solar systems, fostering job creation.
“This programme is not just about electricity; it’s about empowering communities, creating jobs, and building a resilient energy future,” Aliyu stated.
He added that the project will also incorporate energy-efficient appliances to maximize cost savings.
The announcement has been met with widespread approval from stakeholders. The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) praised the inclusion of hospitals, noting that reliable power would enhance healthcare delivery, particularly in critical care units.
Similarly, education advocates expressed optimism that solar-powered schools would improve learning environments, enabling the use of digital tools and extended study hours.
The government has assured transparency, with a dedicated monitoring framework to track progress and ensure accountability.
The solar electrification programme is part of a broader push to achieve Nigeria’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2060.
It follows recent efforts to expand renewable energy adoption, including the distribution of solar home systems to off-grid communities.
The Federal Government has pledged to scale up the programme in subsequent phases, with plans to attract private-sector investment to sustain its momentum.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com