Babatunji Wusu –
- The Federal Government has allocated ₦100 billion in the 2025 budget to provide solar mini-grids to selected federal universities, teaching hospitals, and government institutions.
- The initiative, led by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), aims to reduce reliance on diesel and generator-powered electricity, offering eco-friendly and cost-effective energy solutions.
- REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu confirmed that implementation will begin as soon as the budget is approved by President Bola Tinubu.
- The project is part of a broader effort to address power shortages in federal institutions and promote renewable energy in Nigeria’s public sector.
The Federal Government has earmarked ₦100 billion in the proposed 2025 budget for the installation of solar mini-grids at federal universities, teaching hospitals, and other government institutions. This initiative, spearheaded by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative, aims to provide reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly power solutions to public institutions.
REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu confirmed during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief that the project will commence as soon as the 2025 budget is passed and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu. The initiative is designed to significantly reduce the costs of diesel and generator-powered electricity that many public institutions currently rely on.
The move comes in response to concerns over power shortages in federal institutions, as highlighted by recent protests from University of Ibadan students, who raised issues regarding a 100-day blackout at the University College Hospital (UCH). In response, Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu assured students that power would soon be restored, with REA confirming that solar mini-grids would be deployed at UCH and four other institutions nationwide.
Abba Aliyu further revealed that within the next six months, solar mini-grids would be deployed at five additional universities, with at least two of the eight planned mini-grids for universities and one teaching hospital expected to be completed. This initiative also extends to key government parastatals across Nigeria, signaling a major push towards the adoption of renewable energy in the country’s public sector.
