The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared intentions to make solar energy available and affordable to all Nigerians by next year.
Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General/CEO of Nigeria’s Energy Commission, confirmed this in an interview with the BBC Hausa service.
Dr. Abdullahi stressed Nigeria’s urgent need to dramatically increase its energy producing capacity to address the country’s recurring power difficulties. He argued that Nigeria required 40,000 megawatts of electricity to achieve a steady power supply, as other modern countries do.
“With the installed capacity of 12,000 megawatts, only 5,000 megawatts are currently available to the public. To meet Nigeria’s energy needs and provide stable power, we need 40,000 megawatts,” Dr. Abdullahi explained.
To address these difficulties, the government has already announced a national energy master plan. The initiative seeks to alleviate the energy deficit and ensure that all Nigerians have access to a stable power source. A significant component of this program is the creation of a solar panel and battery manufacturing plant, which will let Nigerians afford solar power.
“I am assuring Nigerians that by next year, we will have achieved this goal,” Dr. Abdullahi stated, adding that solar energy will play a critical role in bridging the country’s energy gap.
He also stated that the government has taken initiatives to increase competence in the renewable energy sector. A Renewable Energy College is now being built, which will provide free education to train experts and address labor shortages in the power industry.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
