The Nigerian federal government has announced its commitment to making solar energy accessible and affordable for all citizens by 2025. This initiative was revealed by the Director-General and CEO of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, in an interview with the BBC Hausa service.
Dr. Abdullahi highlighted the pressing need for Nigeria to substantially increase its energy generation capacity to address the country's longstanding power shortages. He noted that Nigeria requires a minimum of 40,000 megawatts of electricity to achieve stable power supply, comparable to what is experienced in more developed nations.
"Despite an installed capacity of 12,000 megawatts, only 5,000 megawatts are currently being delivered to the public. To meet the energy needs of Nigerians and ensure consistent electricity, we need to reach 40,000 megawatts," Dr. Abdullahi explained.
To address this energy deficit, the government has rolled out a national energy master plan. A key part of this strategy is the construction of a facility dedicated to manufacturing solar panels and batteries, which is expected to reduce the cost of solar power and make it more accessible to Nigerians.
Dr. Abdullahi reassured Nigerians that the target would be met by next year. "By 2025, solar energy will be a critical tool in bridging Nigeria’s energy gap," he said.
In addition to making solar power affordable, the government is also working to improve the expertise in the renewable energy sector. Dr. Abdullahi announced the construction of a Renewable Energy College, which will offer free education to train professionals and address the shortage of skilled workers in the power industry.
This comprehensive approach is aimed at ensuring a brighter and more energy-secure future for Nigeria.
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