FG reaffirms renewable energy critical to addressing electricity woes

The Federal Government, currently targeting to generate about 30 per cent of electricity needs from renewable energy, yesterday, said clean energy remained the fastest way to tackle energy poverty in the country.

Millions of Nigerians are without electricity despite the country’s energy resources, even as 427,000 MW is estimated to be generated in the country from solar alone.

According to Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy Agba, the focus on renewable, especially through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), would assist in closing the energy gap and enlivening previously unserved and underserved Nigerians.

Speaking at REA Town Hall Meeting and Management Retreat, Agba submitted: “Renewable energy is the solution to bridge the electricity gap in the nation quickly, which is why we plan to continue to optimise it while drawing in quality investments and private sector participation in the space.”

He said the current administration’s efforts to improve energy access through on- and off-grid electrification solutions are commendable, adding that REA must continue to play in the global conversation on energy transition and off-grid electrification.

Managing Director of REA, Ahmad Salihijo, said millions of houses, streets and educational institutions have been energised with jobs and business opportunities created.

He said the conference was in a bid towards fulfilling its mandate of providing electricity to unserved and underserved rural communities across the country, adding that the aim of the workshop was for institutional strengthening and sustainable development where the management conveyed its plans and direction for the agency, as well as discuss with staff on the challenges faced in the implementation of projects and their duties in attempts to chart a way forward.

Chairman, REA Board, Abdulazeez Musa Yar’Adua, said closing the energy gap in the nation would revitalise communities, power lives, businesses and institutions.

is words: “Sustainable energy access is a crucial component of national development.

“Every decision we make is people-centred and data-driven, targeted at a transformative change in the lives of everyday Nigerians.”