President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is proud to launch the Solar Power Naija Programme which kicked off in Jigawa state and plans to deliver electricity to 25 Million Nigerians whose communities have been off the grid.
Under our Econonic Sustainability Plan, this power solution programme was designed by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) with the aim of powering 5 Million households through a N140 Billion financing programme for private developers.
Kicking off in Jangefe, Jigawa state, we have planned a rollout across all 6 geopolitical zones in the country, reaching our 36 states, and ensuring that Nigerians have access to cheap and environmentally friendly renewable power.
The President had previously emphasized the need to diversify and decentralize power supply, and with the Covid-19 pandemic causing economic fallouts, implementing off-grid solutions like solar power became the best route.
Through renewable solar power, we are able to cross off several goals at once – provide accessible power supply, while creating jobs for thousands in the solar industry, as well as those looking to join in.
This public-private sector partnership is supported by concessionary lending via the CBN and commercial banks. Subsidies and rebates to the tune of $200Million have also been set to ensure affordability for our final consumers – the people.
I would like to commend the Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Badaru Abubakar, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kazaure, the Emirate Council as well other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring that we got to this stage.
Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN,
Vice President,
Federal Republic of Nigeria.
10-04-2021
