A group, CSOs Budget Implementation, Assessment, Monitoring, and Evaluation Committee (CBIAMEC), has said renewable energy is key to unlocking the Nigeria’s true potentials.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Friday, CBIAMEC chairman Amb. Splendour Agbonkpolor, said renewable is the way out of Nigeria’s energy crisis.
“In the face of numerous challenges, from economic instability to environmental degradation, Nigeria must turn to cleaner and more sustainable sources of energy.
“It is our collective responsibility to support the transition to renewable energy, a shift that promises not only a greener future but also a more equitable, prosperous Nigeria for all,” he said.
He said despite its vast energy potential, Nigeria, faces an alarming energy crisis.
“According to the International Energy Agency’s Africa Energy Outlook 2022, over 85 million Nigerians representing approximately 45% of the country’s population, currently lack access to electricity.
“This makes Nigeria the nation with the largest energy access deficit in the world. Additionally, millions of others experience unreliable and intermittent power supply, which undermines economic activities, education, healthcare delivery, and overall quality of life.
“The energy access gap remains one of the most pressing challenges facing our nation today, and addressing it is critical for the nation’s social and economic transformation. There is a pressing need for a major shift to renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, biomass, and hydropower, all of which Nigeria is richly endowed with, holding to Nigeria vast population of over 250 million,” he said.
Agbonkpolor lauded the ambitious steps being taken by the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) under the leadership of Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha to transform the nation’s energy sector.
“The ECN’s efforts are seen to centered on creating a more sustainable and reliable energy infrastructure that can serve all Nigerians, particularly those in underserved and rural areas,” he said.
He said its recent roundtable interaction with the Dr. Mustapha, CBIAMEC discussed the progress and future plans for renewable energy deployment across the country.
According to him, “During the interface, he provided valuable insights into the steps the Commission is taking to implement its strategies, including key projects aimed at boosting energy access through off-grid renewable energy solutions.
“One of the most notable initiatives under the ECN’s leadership is the plan to deploy 4 megawatts of renewable energy systems in each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This groundbreaking initiative is designed to provide much-needed clean energy to communities that have long been left behind by the national grid.
“Additionally, the ECN is collaborating with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) to ensure the deployment of 5 megawatts of renewable energy in every local government area. This ambitious project will go a long way toward bridging the energy gap between rural and urban areas, creating new economic opportunities, and fostering social development in marginalized communities.
“These projects align with Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Action Plan, which sets a clear target of achieving 30% renewable energy in the national energy mix by 2030, and we commend the ECN for its efforts in translating her vision into actionable steps and reality.”
Speaking on the controversy surrounding ₦10 billion solar energy intervention projects, under the Solar Power Naija Programme, he said it went throght the right procurement processes.
“We are also fully aware of the growing concerns that have been raised in the media regarding the ₦10 billion solar energy intervention project under the Solar Power Naija Programme. This project, which has attracted considerable attention, is intended to provide solar-powered solutions to millions of Nigerians, particularly in off-grid communities,” he said.
“During CBIAMEC engagement with Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha, a detailed clarifications on the procurement processes, project scope, and implementation framework of this initiative. The Director General gave clarity to concerns raised related to procurement procedures and the allocation of funds during the implementation of projects, assuring Nigerians that the project will be carried out with utmost attention to transparency, accountability, and value-for-money principle.
“Dr. Mustapha emphasized that the project is in line with the Public Procurement Act, and all necessary steps are being taken to ensure competitive bidding and adherence to best practices. He also assured Nigerians that regular audits and performance reviews will be conducted to ensure the project meets its objectives and delivers benefits to the citizens of Nigeria,” he added.
He admonished journalists to seek proper clarification from the agencies concerned, such as the ECN and others before publishing stories.
“May we reiterate that false narratives and media judgments based on incomplete information can create unnecessary panic, distort public perception, and ultimately stifle the progress needed to achieve a sustainable and equitable energy future for all Nigerians,” he said.