“The need to boost access to electricity in Nigeria cannot be overstated. Despite the country’s vast resources and potential, the Nigerian grid electricity remains inefficient and inaccessible to many parts of the country. This inadequacy hampers the country’s socioeconomic development and affects the quality of life for millions of Nigerians. In addressing these challenges, photovoltaic (PV) electricity emerges as a crucial solution. Solar energy offers a sustainable, reliable, and decentralized power source that can reach the remotest corners of our country, bringing light and hope to all.”
Above were the words of the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, yesterday at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Commission’s solar PV module assembling plant construction at the Ihunekwagu Autonomous Community, Akpugo, Nkanu West Local Government, Enugu State.
Yesterday’s event saw a significant leap forward in the nation’s pursuit of energy security, sustainability, and technological advancement. For several years, the Commission has committed to research and development in renewable energy, including PV technology. The event yesterday, according to the Energy Commission boss, is a giant step towards translating the Commission’s research outputs into indigenous solutions that can transform the country’s energy landscape.
“This assembling plant is not just a technological advancement; it is a testament to our dedication to fostering home-grown innovation and self-reliance. It also perfectly aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda under the leadership of His Excellency, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.”
“Our various Research Centres across the geopolitical zones of Nigeria have been at the forefront of developing demonstrable products that address energy-related problems. From bio-energy systems that could reduce over dependence on fossil fuels and environmental pollution to solar drying systems that aid rural farmers in preserving their produce, our research and development outputs are making enormous impacts on our nation’s economy.”
Dr. Abdullahi strongly believes the groundbreaking ceremony for the Solar PV module Assembling plant aimed at significantly boosting the Commission’s development capacity to domesticate the solar PV technology in Nigeria. He commended the research institutions and individuals who had hitherto made commendable efforts to produce PV modules with the limited resources available to them but which did not yield much results.
The Energy Commission, under his forthright leadership, is taking a major leap forward, moving from small-scale attempts to a full-fledged solar PV module production facility that has great potential to meet the country’s growing energy needs. This project, according to the Energy expert is also a step forward for job creation, and providing our youth and skilled professionals with opportunities to contribute and benefit from the growing renewable energy sector. The project, is believed, will not only reduce the country’s overdependence on importation, but also significantly lowers the cost of PV modules, making solar energy more accessible to every Nigerian household.
Dr. Abdullahi would go ahead to appreciate his supervising Minister, the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji Nwakibie, for embracing the new Commission’s vision under his leadership and providing the necessary assistance and political support.
His words, “Your belief in this project and your commitment to its success have been invaluable and extremely crucial. Your leadership has made it possible for us to reach this milestone, and we look forward to your continued support as we advance our renewable energy goals. I also wish to express my sincere appreciation to the dedicated team at the Energy Commission of Nigeria. Your hard-work, commitment, and vision have been instrumental in making today’s achievement possible” he submitted.
Other distinguished guests who accompanied the Minister to the event included House of Representatives members from Enugu State, Directors-General of NASRDA, NNMDA, PRODA, NICFOST, NACETEM, NITR as well as NBTI.