Jigawa has potential to provide electricity for 1m persons with solar – REA
The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Engr Abba Abubakar Aliyu, has stated that Jigawa State could provide electricity for 1 million people using solar mini-grid. Aliyu during a roundtable with the governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, said it is ccurrently implementing a total of 21 ongoing mini-grid projects across 21 LGAs […]
The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Engr Abba Abubakar Aliyu, has stated that Jigawa State could provide electricity for 1 million people using solar mini-grid.
Aliyu during a roundtable with the governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, said it is ccurrently implementing a total of 21 ongoing mini-grid projects across 21 LGAs in the state through the Nigeria Electrification Programme (NEP) – Africa Development Bank (AfDB) Minimum Subsidy Tender (MST), to energise over 300, 000 people.
He added that the REA – Jigawa State Roundtable, themed “Unleashing Market Opportunities for Decentralised Renewable Energy in Jigawa State” was convened against the backdrop of the recent electrification pathway in the state, set in motion by Governor Umar Namadi.
“This includes the creation of the Jigawa State Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy, mandated to provide reliable and inclusive energy solutions for the state’s residents and the Jigawa State Electricity Regulatory Commission, mandated to enhance electricity regulation and access in the state,” he said.
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On his part, Gov Namadi, who signed a State Memorandum of Understanding targeted at unlocking renewable energy potential in the state, assured Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs) of the state’s Readiness for Strategic PPPs, while banking on His Excellency’s assurance of a stable investment climate and secure ecosystem for project deployment.
The governor applauded the futuristic policies of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following the passage of the 2023 Electricity Act. His Excellency explained that, “The potential and opportunities for the development of renewable energy projects in Jigawa State are limitless, from the policy environment to the political commitment; from the comparative advantage of the state’s physical environment to the existing conducive climate. The prospects are enormous”.
While sharing insights on the status of the World Bank-funded Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up, the Head of Project Management Unit, Nigeria Electrification Programme (NEP), Olufemi Akinyelure, emphasised that the NEP has so far aided the delivery of over 200 mini-grids nationwide, with the REA focusing on catalysing commercial activities to drive demand and capacity optimisation.