In an effort geared towards closing electricity gap for Nigerians not connected to the national grid power, the Federal Executive Council has approved the establishment of an Economic Sustainability Committee (ESC) as part of a grand plan to provide electricity for 25 million Citizens.
The federal government according to the plan which has a programme tagged ‘Energy for All’, explained that it is geared towards providing 5 million Solar Connections to various locations throughout the country in collaboration with State Governments.
Aaron Artimas,the special Assistant to the Minister of Power informed in a statement issued on Tuesday that the Economic Sustainability Committee being chaired by the Vice President Yemi Osinbanjo and comprising several Cabinet Members, is also expected to draw participation from private Sector Solar providers.
He that the programme would also include Small and Medium Enterprises in the deployment of Solar Power to 5 million households; as well as encourage private Sector financing for off-grid solar energy projects with a minimum Tier (SOW-150W) system.
The ESC is further expected to attract investment of solar panel manufacturers into Nigeria, building on the work already done by NASENI and others.
The Programme is being implemented through existing structures within the Rural Electrification Agency with approved financing facilities from the Central Bank of Nigeria and participating Financial Institutions.
To accelerate progress and ensure efficiency between the implementing partners and State Governments, the Minister of Power, Sale Mamman has approved the appointment of Abba Aliyu, an experienced Power Sector administrator, as coordinator for the programme.
Abba’s responsibility,the statement explained will be to engage all parties to make the program successful through maximum partnership and cooperation.
He is also expected to drive cooperation between the Federal Rural Electrification Agency and State Rural Electrification Agencies to accelerate their participation, as well as partner with the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN for the monitoring and Evaluation of the Project.
