The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a plan to electrify 304 health care facilities and schools across the country. The project, which will rely on solar power, is part of Nigeria's post-Covid-19 recovery plan.
Solar energy is on the rise in Nigeria. The Federal Government of Nigeria intends to use this renewable energy source to electrify its schools and healthcare facilities. As part of its National Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) for post-Covid-19 recovery, the Federal Government of Nigeria intends to electrify 304 clinics and schools across the country.
The project involves 200 primary health care centres located mainly in remote locations. The off-grid solar systems built in these clinics will ensure continuity of service 24 hours a day. The project will be implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) of Nigeria. In addition to electrifying the clinics, the government agency plans to install solar street lights in the host communities.
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REA also plans to solarise 104 public schools. The agency will also install solar street lights on campuses and provide solar home systems to local communities. The REA has 12 months to complete all the work. According to Sale Mamman, Nigeria’s Minister of Energy, the project will contribute to the achievement of the 30% target for electricity from renewable sources.
REA decided to include the solarisation of its public facilities as part of the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), which it has been implementing for some years. To accelerate the implementation of the NEP, the Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad-led agency is providing grants to off-grid providers who are very active in the rural areas. For the record, the NEP is funded by the World Bank.
Jean Marie Takouleu
