Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, faces a significant challenge: providing reliable and affordable energy access to its citizens.
Millions of Nigerians lack access to electricity, hindering economic growth and impacting quality of life.
However, a beacon of hope emerges in the form of renewable energy – a clean, sustainable solution with the potential to addressing energy poverty and propelling the nation towards a brighter future.
Last week’s signing of the joint venture agreement between the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and North South Power (NSP) Company Ltd. for a pioneering 20MW solar-hydro hybrid project in Shiroro, Niger State, signifies a crucial step in this direction.
As Vice President Kashim Shettima aptly stated, “This event marks a significant milestone and will boost the country’s energy transition journey”President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has reaffirmed its commitment to the Energy Transition Plan, a roadmap for diversifying Nigeria’s energy mix and embracing clean energy solutions. The Shiroro project, championed by the NSIA, aligns perfectly with this vision. “It is commendable as strategic partnerships like this will create opportunities for economic growth and technological advancement while simultaneously addressing the urgent need for clean and accessible energy,” said the Vice President, commending the NSIA’s leadership.In the present, energy poverty remains a stark reality for millions of Nigerians.
Statistics reveal a staggering deficit, with only around 55 per cent of the population having access to electricity. This lack of access hinders economic development, restricts educational opportunities, and limits access to essential healthcare services.According to a World Bank report, as of 2021, over 85 million Nigerians lacked access to electricity; businesses and households with access to the national grid have faced unreliable and insufficient supply, a gap often filled with power from petrol and diesel-run generator sets that are costly and highly polluting to people and the environment.
This energy poverty disproportionately affects rural communities, limiting opportunities for education, healthcare, and economic advancement.In a bid to address this problem, All On, an independent, off-grid energy impact investment company, has been at the forefront of investing in off-grid energy solutions. These solutions, spanning solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and gas technologies, complement the available grid power across Nigeria. With funding from Shell, All On has intensified its efforts in funding and advocating for off-grid solutions to deliver energy access to Nigerians.
Over the years, All On has not only provided financial support but also offered technical assistance to off-grid energy companies in Nigeria. The organization has funded nationwide challenges for the incubation of early-stage grid energy companies through partnerships with other industry players. For instance, in April 2019, All On collaborated with Rubitec Solar to train up to 120 professionals in the Niger Delta region, equipping them with the skills needed to deploy and manage solar installations.
Comments