By Oluwatope Lawanson
In order to tackle power supply issue, which is one of the biggest challenges for businesses in Lagos and Nigeria, the Lagos State government has reaffirmed its commitment to renewable energy and electricity, to stimulate economic activities in the state.
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu stated this on Monday at a Roundtable Meeting on Rural Electrification and Sustainable Energy Development, put together by the Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR).
Sanwo-Olu, said the initiative was in partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) noting that the initiative is in line with government’s vision for a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable energy grid.
He stressed the need to solve energy issues to enhance productivity and increase job creation nationwide.
“Nigerians generate much power, but it is not widely distributed due to isolation. We have excess energy, but it is misdirected,” he said.
He noted that producing more power would spur economic activities and growth.
“There are around 4.5 million generators in Lagos. Many use 30 kVA or 50 kVA and avoid the public power supply,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu emphasised the importance of planning and sustainability in government initiatives.
His words, ” the state will work with the Renewable Energy Asset Management Company to ensure long-term sustainability”.
The governor highlighted the need to involve Community Development Associations (CDAs) and Community Development Committees (CDCs).
According to him, their involvement will help identify community needs and achieve better outcomes.
He urged the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to actively engage CDAs and CDCs in project planning.
Government Babajide Sanwo – Olu’s message was delivered by the
Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat,
Earlier, Mr Biodun Ogunleye, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, said the project focuses on harnessing sustainable energy sources.
He said the move aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote a greener, cleaner energy grid.
The commissioner said the partnership would create new opportunities in the energy sector.
“We are entering a partnership with REA that will unlock a range of new opportunities. It will give Lagosians access to stable, uninterrupted electricity supply,” he said.
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer REA, Mr Abubakar Ndiye, said the agency aims to become the hub of renewable energy assets in Nigeria.
He assured that REA will sustain its energy interventions nationwide.
He said the agency is working to localise the production of renewable energy equipment in Nigeria, with Lagos playing a key role.
Report says, that Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed which
marks a strategic partnership to expand decentralised solar power generation and distribution projects in Lagos State.
