By Ogaga Ariemu
The Federal Government through Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has rallied round power stakeholders on effective deployment of off-grid energy solutions across the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Minister of State Power, Mr Godwin Jedy-Agba stated during a 2-day REA Stakeholders’ workshop with the title, ‘Collaboration with for Accelerating Rural Electrification’ kicked-started in Abuja on Monday, that off-grid energy solutions requisite to ending Nigeria’s power challenges.
The Minister said the Federal Government is working tirelessly to democratise energy access and reduce power deficit across the 36 States and federal capital territory.
“Recent events have shown the need to focus on deploying more off-grid solutions to complement the efforts of the Federal Government in ensuring that there is a reliable supply of electricity nationwide.
“To have nationwide access to electricity we have to focus on both enhancing the national grid and the off-grid solutions.
“To grow an economy, stable electricity is a key factor which cannot be overemphasised. The Federal Government has equipped agencies such as the REA with the tools it needs to contribute its quota into ensuring all Nigerians have access to electricity.”
On his part, the Managing Director/CEO of Rural Electrification Agency(REA), Engr. Ahmad Salihijo disclosed that effective collaboration, partnership with the private sector remain vital to providing affordable energy to underserved communities in Nigeria.
According to him, “This Stakeholder’s workshop was born out of the need for REA to effectively deliver its mandate to every community that deserves electricity across the country.
“We understand the key position of the State Governments and the various Local Governments and Rural Electrification boards within them and realized the need for proper coordination amongst the key stakeholders, to ensure we are able to deliver on our mandate.
“To address some of the concerns around the sustainability of some of these projects, the Agency introduced the Rural Electricity Users Cooperative Society (REUCS), to enable communities to come together and play key roles in ensuring the sustainability of the projects.
“As part of our goal to ensure that we have a significant presence in all 36 States in the country, the REA has Zonal Offices in all six geopolitical zones in the country. In addition, the REA also has key staff working closely with the focal persons from the states.
“We have adopted several business models that allow the REA to partner with private companies to deploy off-grid energy solutions to rural communities. However, we noticed that these companies face challenges in providing their services in some States.
“We hope that after this workshop, the States would have a good understanding of the models the Agency is currently exploring with private companies and be willing to provide the support required,” he stated.
The Chairman of REA Board, Engr. Col. Abdulazeez Musa Yar’Adua (Rtd) stated that the importance of robust stakeholders’ understanding of the agency’s dealings cannot be neglected.
“It is important for the State Government to understand the programmes within REA and how best to work with the REA in providing electricity to the rural communities,” he expressed.
Remarks from REA’s partners, Team Leader for Economic Development, UK Foreign Commonwealth and Department Office(FCDO), Gail Warrander, Task Team Lead, Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), Jon Execl, Team Lead African Development Bank, Engr Chigo Egeruoh set the tone for the discussions on solutions to Nigeria’s energy crisis.
Executive Director, Rural Electrifcation Fund, REA, Dr Sanusi Ohiare; Team Head, Project Management Unit, NEP, Anita Otubu; Commissioners of Power from over 30 States cross-fertilised ideas on ways to improve rural electrification in Nigeria.
The Workshop, expected to end on Tuesday, 10th May, 2022 is a silver lining to addressing Nigeria’s energy challenges.