The Federal Government has announced plans to provide solar energy to 5 million homes in Nigeria within the next 12 months,as part of the Economic Sustainability Plan.
President Muhammadu Buhari made the announcement in an address at the first year Ministerial Performance Review Retreat held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, September 7, 2020.
Represented by the Vice President, Yemi Osibanjo, the President in his address noted that many Nigerians are not connected to electricity at all.
Buhari also revealed that his government has commenced 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.
In his statement, the President 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 stated that chain of process from procurement to installations will create over 300,000 local jobs as Nigeria continue its journey to full electrification.
