The Federal Government has set in motion plans to provide Solar home systems to five million households in the country.
President Muhammadu Buhari who made the disclosure on Monday, in an address at the first year ministerial performance review retreat, held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, said this was part of his government’s efforts to address the problem of power in the country.
According to him, the Solar Systems will be provided as part of the Federal Government’s Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP).
He said the five million systems under the ESP’s Solar Power Strategy will produce 250,000 jobs and impact up to 25 million beneficiaries through the installation.
“In addressing the power problems we must not forget that most Nigerians are not even connected to electricity at all. So as part of the Economic Sustainability Plan, we are providing Solar home systems to 5 million Nigerian households in the next 12 months.
We have already begun the process of providing financing support through the CBN for manufacturers and retailers of Off Grid Solar Home Systems and Mini-Grids who are to provide the systems.
READ ALSO: Edo 2020: Ize-Iyamu, Oshiomhole Fighting Lost Battle – Imasuangbon
“The Five million systems under the ESP’s Solar Power Strategy will produce 250,000 jobs and impact up to 25 million beneficiaries through the installation. This means that more Nigerians will have access to electricity via a reliable and sustainable solar system.
“The support to Solar Home System manufacturers and the bulk procurement of local meters will create over 300,000 local jobs while ensuring that we set Nigeria on a path to full electrification.”
The President stated that the recent tariff review in the power sector was not about the increase, which will only affect the top electricity consumers, “but establishing a system which will definitely lead to improved service for all at a fair and reasonable price.”
