The Minister of State for Power, Prince Goddy Agba, on Friday reassured Nigerians on Federal Government’s commitment to improve power generation and distribution in the country through investments in environmental-friendly power generation technologies nationwide.
The Minister, who gave the assurance during the Commissioning of 60kWP Solar Hybrid Mini-Grid Electrification project by Rural Electrification Agency, REA, at Okangha Mkpansi, Ikom, LGA, Cross River State, said the focus on cleaner energy transformers would mitigate the health risks associated with fossil-powered plants and improve the living standards of the people.
He said: “When we bring light (electricity) we eschew darkness and invariably bring development, because with this installation a lot of small-scale businesses will spring up and strive too, a lot of entrepreneurs would be empowered to do their small saloon business, with ease.
“Also students will have light to read at night and do so many other things, which will in no small way bring growth to this community and Ikom at large, I am happy with the steps made so far to protect the Installation as it will go a long way to encourage government to do more”, the minister added.
According to him, Nigerians must have noticed that over the years, renewable energy solutions, including solar hybrid mini-grids and solar home systems are gradually helping to bridge the electricity supply gap in the country.
Agba further explained that “in order to continue to optimize these technologies to power communities and improve local socio-economic status of communities across Nigeria, the REA and the Ministry of Power will continue to drive the mandate of the Federal Government while opening up the sector to quality investment.”
In his remarks, the Managing Director of REA, Ahmad Salijo, who was represented by Executive Director Technical Services, Engr. Bakar Sajou, disclosed that the 60 KWP solar Hybrid Mini-Grid was one of the many projects being equitably deployed across the nation and funded under the Federal Government’s Capital Appropriation.
He explained: ”I am delighted to be here today to be part of the Commissioning of another mini grid project which is part of plans of the Federal government to improve energy access across the nation and the project is designed to power this community.
“This is part of Federal Government’s mandate to improve energy access across the nation using a range of renewable energy solutions, the REA under the Federal Ministry of power is committed to ensuring the deployment of the best standard energy facilities, equitably across the nation”, Salijo pledged.
