ECN DG defends Presidency’s N10 billion solar energy undertaking, says it’s according to Tinubu’s reforms 

Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director Basic & CEO of the Power Fee of Nigeria (ECN), has backed the Presidency’s N10 billion solar energy undertaking, describing it as a big milestone in Nigeria’s path towards a extra sustainable and dependable power future.

Talking on the ECN Headquarters in Abuja on Friday, Dr. Abdullahi addressed public considerations surrounding the initiative, emphasizing its very important function within the nation’s energy sector reforms.

In response to the ECN boss, the photo voltaic undertaking aligns seamlessly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s imaginative and prescient to remodel Nigeria’s power panorama and remove the persistent power debt that has plagued the nation for years.

“I firmly assist the Presidency’s N10 billion solar energy undertaking, a vital step towards Nigeria’s sustainable power future. Talking at ECN Headquarters in Abuja on Friday, I addressed public considerations, highlighting the undertaking’s function in fostering sustainability, self-reliance, and common power entry, according to President @officialABAT’s imaginative and prescient to reform Nigeria’s energy sector”, Dr. Abdullahi mentioned throughout his deal with.

Solar energy a part of efforts to handle power debt disaster – ECN boss 

The solar energy undertaking is seen as a direct effort to deal with Nigeria’s ongoing power debt disaster, with federal establishments owing an estimated N47.1 billion in energy-related liabilities previous to the graduation of President Tinubu’s administration.

Dr. Abdullahi famous that the undertaking gives a chance for Nigeria to shift towards cleaner, extra environment friendly power sources, which might assist mitigate the rising price of electrical energy tariffs that many Nigerians at present face.

“Photo voltaic power gives effectivity and shields Nigerians from rising tariffs, impressed by world fashions like Kenya’s photo voltaic grids and Germany’s renewable industries. It would create jobs, empower entrepreneurs, and electrify rural communities, easing grid stress and driving energy sector reforms,” he remarked.

Along with its environmental and financial advantages, the solar energy undertaking is predicted to generate jobs, assist native entrepreneurship, and convey electrical energy to Nigeria’s rural communities, the place entry to energy stays restricted. Dr. Abdullahi famous that the widespread distribution of photo voltaic power would additionally cut back the stress on the nationwide grid, facilitating smoother energy sector operations.

Dr. Abdullahi urged Nigerians to look past fast considerations and give attention to the long-term advantages of this initiative. He harassed that the undertaking would assist ignite a nationwide power revolution, bringing clear, inexpensive electrical energy to thousands and thousands, notably in underserved areas.

“I urge Nigerians to give attention to the long-term good points of this funding. It would spark an power revolution, delivering clear, inexpensive energy whereas supporting President Tinubu’s objective to remove power debt and set up Nigeria as a renewable power chief,” Dr. Abdullahi added.

Extra insights 

Final week, Bayo Onanuga, Particular Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Data and Technique, defended the controversial N10 billion solar energy undertaking proposed for the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.

Onanuga cited world finest practices, highlighting the usage of photo voltaic power on the White Home in Washington D.C., United States, as a profitable instance of photo voltaic power integration at a key authorities establishment.

His feedback got here in response to the rising public backlash over the multi-billion naira undertaking. Whereas some Nigerians have praised the initiative as a step in the direction of sustainable power and decreased dependence on the unreliable nationwide grid, others have voiced robust criticism.

Critics argue that investing N10 billion in photo voltaic infrastructure for a single location, the seat of presidency, is an extravagant transfer, particularly in a rustic the place thousands and thousands of residents nonetheless lack entry to dependable electrical energy.