Niger state Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello has said that the state government was making progress toward the establishment of the Niger State Renewable Energy Agency.
The Governor disclosed this during the launch of Power Niger and the distribution of Home Solar Systems at the Government House Minna.
Gov Sani Bello explained that clean, safe, and renewable energy is trending globally and it is imperative to train people in renewable energy to build technical capacity and have good hands that can maintain street lights.
The Governor said the state government saw the need to partner with Asolar company to enlighten the people especially those in the rural communities on the need to embrace safe, clean, and renewable energy.
He expressed delight that the people in the rural areas have welcomed the idea, thereby making high demands for solar systems.
According to him, “going forward, we intend to introduce more renewable energy initiatives in the state to reduce pressure on the national grid. We intend to grow the base and grow several beneficiaries across the state”.
“We are making progress towards starting Niger State Renewable Energy Agency”, he said.
He appreciated the partnership with Asolar and all the MDAs that participated in making the partnership a success while suggesting that an alternative to firewood should be considered by the company to help address the challenges of indiscriminate tree felling, especially in the state.
The Managing Director, Asolar, Ibrahim Usman said the partnership with the state government has led to the actualization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1,7 and 17 by the Abubakar Sani Bello led administration.
He disclosed that the project is a pilot scheme to commence with the distribution of 3,500 units of solar systems to all the eight local government areas in Niger North Senatorial District before the general elections.
The M.D. also said that over 7,000 units of solar systems will soon be distributed to other Senatorial Districts in the state.
He commended the Governor for his efforts at ensuring that communities in the state are provided with safe energy at a 40% subsidized total price of the products adding that beneficiaries are expected to make monthly payments of N2,000 for three years.
In his remark, Commissioner for Works and infrastructure, Muhammad Sani Lafiya said the project addresses the needs of rural dwellers, who are major contributors to the state’s economy.
He appreciated the Governor for supporting the initiative.
