News
Nigeria’s Mini Grid Electricity Investment Opportunities Hit $9.2bn
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) yesterday disclosed that its study on Nigerian mini grid electricity development potential revealed an annual investment opportunities of 9.2 billion dollars.
Its Managing Director, Mrs Damilola Ogunbiyi, disclosed this while making a presentation at the mini grid action learning event in Abuja yesterday.
Ogunbiyi, who spoke on “Overview of the Off-Grid Opportunities and Challenges in Nigeria”, said there were enormous opportunities than challenges in the provision of electricity through mini grid and solar house system.
The event was organised by REA in collaboration with the World Bank Group, Department for International Development (DEFID), Energy Sector Management Assistance Programme (ESMAP) and Climate Investment Fund (CIF).
The conference, with the theme “Up scaling Mini Grids For Low-Cost and Timely Access to Electricity”, was convoked to initiate programmes to accelerate uptake of mini grids for low cost access to electricity in Africa.
“We believe that Nigeria is the biggest and most attractive off grid opportunity destination in Africa, and one of the best locations in the world on developing mini grid and solar home system.
“Our population of about 180 million is very attractive, even though we have also part of our population with limited and low energy access.
“We do have significant mark of the population having small scale generation, which relates to something in the region of 10 to 12GW; this can be translated to sustainable power supply.”
She also revealed that Nigeria spent about 14 billion dollars yearly on inefficient generation of electricity, adding that acceleration of mini grid electricity development could reduce the huge amount spent by Nigerians.
“We also believe that off-grid alternative like creating mini grid and solar home system can easily be at 9.2 billion dollars a year, which can serve the Nigeria public and citizens 4.2 billion dollars.” She also disclosed that REA, with the support of the World Bank Group, was working together to provide required funding for the Nigerian Electrification Programme.
According to her, the support from World Bank is expected to bring in 350 miilion dollars expected to be dedicated on development of mini grid electricity in Nigeria.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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