Nigeria aims to provide 2 megawatts of solar Hybrid system in each of the 37 tertiary hospitals across the country, including the FCT.
This is according to the Director General of the country’s Energy Commission who also said it plans to power up all government infrastructure with about 148 megawatts of clean, renewable energy, and 2 megawatts of clean renewable energy in its federal universities.
“Let me announce a novel solarization program called the Renewed Hope Solarization Project, for the provision of 2 megawatts of Clean Renewable Energy in Each of the 37 Federal Universities across the 36 states and FCT, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, said at a press briefing on Friday in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.
Dr. Abdullahi revealed these while addressing the ₦10 billion approval for the provision of solar electricity for the Presidential Villa, stating that the project will lead Nigeria to energy prosperity.
“The recent approval of ₦10 billion for the provision of solar electricity for the Presidential Villa has stirred public debate. Some questioned its timing and necessity, interpreting it as a deviation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s campaign promise to provide stable electricity and prepaid meters to Nigerians, he enumerated.
“Before President Tinubu’s administration, federal institutions in Abuja, including the Presidential Villa, owed the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) an eye-watering ₦47.1 billion in unpaid electricity bills. That energy bill, paid from taxpayers’ money, is not sustainable”, he stated.
Dr. Mustapha further said transitioning to alternative and sustainable energy sources reduces such burden and allows government institutions to become models of efficiency by cutting costs and enhancing reliable and sustainable governance.
“The move clearly intends to insulate Nigerians from incessant high electricity bills, which underscores the President’s commitment to cutting costs and reducing spending across public and private facilities.
“The Aso Rock Villa’s solar power initiative sends a clear message to citizens, investors and global partners that Nigeria is ready to take control of its energy destiny. We must lead in Africa by utilizing more of the available resources in meeting our needs. Consequently, the gains go far beyond electricity.
“This initiative is not about lighting up the State House alone; rather, it’s about a long-term energy vision; a vision where Nigeria breaks free from the cycle of energy debt and enjoys uninterrupted energy supply”, he concluded.