The Federal Executive Council has approved the establishment of an Economic Sustainability Committee as part of a grand plan to provide electricity for 25 million Citizens who lack access to the national grid.
Tagged, Energy for All, the Programme aims at providing 5 million Solar Connections to various locations throughout the country in collaboration with State Governments.
The Economic Sustainability Committee, which is chaired by the Vice President Yemi Osinbanjo and comprises several Cabinet Members, is also expected to draw participation from private Sector Solar providers, including SMEs 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, Engr. Sale Mamman has approved the appointment of Mallam Abba Aliyu, an experienced Power Sector administrator, as coordinator for the programme.
Mallam Abba’s responsibility 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 REA and CBN for the monitoring and Evaluation of the Project.
Mallam Abba Aliyu is to commence his duties with immediate effect from the office of the Minister of Power.
The Minister of Power Engr. Sale Mamman congratulated the new Coordinator and wished him the best in this capacity, according to a statement by Aaron Artimas,
SA Media and Communication to the power minister.
