Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu, tasked the ministry with the responsibility of exploiting all available technologies and models to ensure the equitable deployment of sustainable energy solutions for Nigerians.
He made the disclosure during an inspection and impact assessment of the 90kwp solar hybrid mini-grid at Adafila community, Orire local government area of Oyo State.
He said over the years the ministry has continued to optimize the mandate of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), stating that with the project and other ongoing ones in Oyo State and all 36 states including the FCT they are not mere social infrastructure but beacons of hope, symbols of progress and catalysts for change.
According to him, “They signify a departure from the past and a step towards a future where energy poverty is relegated to history. We already have the assurance of strong will power from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is therefore with great delight that I witness strategy in action, assessing the nationwide impact of the World Bank-funded Nigeria Electrification Project Performance-Based Grant. This project you witness here today is one of over 100 delivered through this programme nationwide.”
Adelabu who noted that the Ministry would continue to optimize the objectives of the 2023 Electricity Act by engaging in productive multi-sectorial and multi-stakeholder engagements to chart a clear course, maintained that the impact of the Adafila mini-grid extends beyond the illumination of homes and the powering of businesses.
He added that the project was designed to represent a commitment to socio-economic growth as it symbolizes economic opportunities, as small and medium enterprises flourish with a constant and affordable power supply, urging the people of the community to make the best of the intervention and equally serve as a partner to ensure the sustainability of the project.
“Adafila, you now have a window of opportunity to explore and exploit the many opportunities that come with energy access.
Let this mini-grid project stand as a testament to what we can achieve when we unite with a common purpose to deliver energy to all Nigerians”, he said.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Rural Electrification Agency, Mallam Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, in his remarks, said the minister has a mandate of Tinubu to accelerate the process of alleviation of poverty in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda, stating that this has led to witnessing the growth of strategic partnerships across all 36 states after the passage of the 2023 Electricity Act.
He said, “Over the years, we have optimized the NEP to strengthen the off-grid space while deploying over 100 mini-grids and powering over 5 million Nigerians through this singular programme. With the successful implementation of the programme, we are confident in the model and positioned for an even wider impact across the nation.
“Our focus remains the same, with a renewed sense of purpose: to accelerate the deployment of sustainable energy solutions for productive use, socio-economic growth, and transformative change in unserved and underserved areas.”
He lauded the minister for encouraging and nudging the agency along the path of progress, stating that his presence here at the mini-grid is another profound demonstration of his commitment to the critical task of energy access in the country.
