Obaseki, others seek investment in renewable energy to bridge power gap

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has canvassed more investment in renewable energy as an alternative power solution to mitigate the inadequate power situation in the country.
 
Obaseki stated this during an interactive session with the Minister of State for Power, Goddy Agba and Edo solar engineers and installers in Benin City.

Speaking at the commissioning of 100KWp Solar Hybrid Mini-Grid Project at Adebayo Community, Ovia South Council of Edo State, Agba said the President Muhammadu Buhari administration would continue to create the enabling environment and work with the legislature and stakeholders to create policies that would favour renewable energy investments.

He pledged the government’s readiness to support private sector participation through the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) and Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) being implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

“It has become obvious that we need renewable energy solutions to quickly bridge the electricity gap in the nation, as the National Grid cannot sufficiently cater to the energy needs of all Nigerians.

“The ministry will continue to create the enabling environment and work with the legislative arm of government, as well as critical stakeholders to create policies that will favour renewable energy investments and private sector participation,” Jedy-Agba said.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of REA, Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, said the project was designed to promote off-grid electrification and ensure equitable electricity distribution across the country using data-driven off-grid solutions.

“We are ensuring electricity access across 12 communities and deploying over 19,000 Solar Home Systems (SHS) across the country. These Interventions are testaments of the Federal Government’s resolve to improve energy infrastructure across Nigeria, especially in unserved and underserved communities.

“With our deliberate plan to power Nigeria, one community at a time, more communities will be energized across the country under the second call of the REF and other REA programmes,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer, Fanny Frank, said the power plant has a capacity of 100KW, 294 high-grade solar panel, 72 batteries, 20 streetlights and a 27-kilometre distribution cable.

Head of Adebayo Community, Chief Lateef Agbaje, lamented the village has been without electricity for over 60 years and expressed delight at the project.