The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has authorized commencement of the Economic Sustainability Committee (ESC) which will oversee the plans to provide electricity for 25 million citizens who lacks access to the national grid.
Mr. Aaron Artimas, Special Assistant Media and Communication, made this known while speaking at a program in Abuja on the theme ‘Energy for All’. The new development is in partnership with state government. The aim is to provide five million solar connections in some locations throughout the country.
Mr. Aaron also stated that committee will carry out the program by ensuring speedy performance among the implementing partners and State Governments.
The program was chaired by VP, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, alongside several Cabinet members in attendance.
Mr. Aaron disclosed that ESC would be responsible for attracting the participation of private sector solar providers, including SMEs in the distribution of solar power to the households
‘The ESC is further expected to attract investment of solar panel manufacturers into Nigeria, building on the work already done by NASENI and others’, the statement read.
It also announced that the committee would encourage private sector financing for off-grid solar energy projects with a minimum Tier (SOW-150W) system.
The Special Assistant stated that the program stemmed from existing structures within the Rural Electrification Agency with the authorization of financing facilities from the Central Bank of Nigeria and participating Financial Institutions.
Artimas confirmed that the Minister of Power has approved the appointment of Mallam Abba Aliyu as Coordinator of the program.
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The appointment of Aliyu begins with immediate effect. He is saddled with the responsibility of engaging with all parties to facilitate the success of the program through maximum partnership and cooperation.
The cooperation would be especially between the Federal Rural Electrification Agency and State Rural Electrification Agencies, and will include a partnership with the CBN for the Monitoring and Evaluation of the Project.
