FG to provide solar energy to 5 million Nigerians within 12 months

The Federal Government has announced plans to provide solar home systems to 5 million Nigerian households within the next 12 months, as part of the Economic Sustainability Plan.

The disclosure was contained in an address by President Muhammadu Buhari at the first year Ministerial Performance Review Retreat held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, September 7, 2020.

The President who was represented by the Vice President, Yemi Osibanjo, said in his address that we must not forget that most Nigerians are not even connected to electricity at all.

The president said that government has already begun the process of providing financing support through the CBN for manufacturers and retailers of Off-Grid Solar Home Systems and Mini-Grids who are to provide the systems. He said that this initiative will provide 250,000 jobs and impact about 25 million beneficiaries.

The President in his statement said, ‘’The five million systems under the ESP’s Solar Power Strategy will produce 250,000 jobs and impact up to 25 million beneficiaries through the installation. This means that more Nigerians will have access to electricity via a reliable and sustainable solar system.’’

The president also disclosed that the support to Solar Home System manufacturers and the bulk procurement of local meters will create over 300,000 local jobs while ensuring that we set Nigeria on a path to full electrification.