The Federal Government has set aside N100 billion for the installation of solar mini-grids in public institutions, aimed at reducing energy expenses.
Abba Aliyu, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), shared this information during a recent interview on Channels Television’s show, The Morning Brief, on Tuesday.
He stated that as soon as President Bola Tinubu signs the budget into law, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) will initiate the electrification project aimed at delivering a dependable, affordable, and environmentally friendly power supply to government facilities.
He said, “If you also check within the budget, you’ll see a new initiative of Mr. President, which was presented by the Honourable Minister of Power, called the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative—a new concept designed to reduce the cost of governance. A N100 billion has been allocated for it.
“To address that, the funding is being provided for us to now solarize these institutions. That amount of expenditure in our national budget meant for diesel purchase, generator purchase, and repairs can be channeled to other relevant sectors of the Nigerian economy.
“The UCH is part of the five institutions we are looking at. We are also targeting the University of Lagos, the University of Ibadan plus its teaching hospital, Obafemi Awolowo University, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Ahmadu Bello University.
“We recently completed interventions in seven universities and two teaching hospitals, where we provided them with hybrid mini-grids capable of supplying 24-hour reliable and cost-effective electricity.”
