By Our Correspondent
Abuja — The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his third anniversary in office, describing him as a reformer whose administration has recorded significant achievements in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.
Dr. Abdullahi said the Tinubu administration has aggressively pursued Nigeria’s transition to renewable energy through large-scale solarisation projects and investments aimed at addressing the country’s persistent power challenges.
According to him, one of the administration’s landmark interventions is the approval of the ₦220 billion National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative, designed to deploy mini-grid solar power projects across federal universities and hospitals nationwide.
He explained that the initiative seeks to provide reliable alternative energy sources, reduce dependence on diesel-powered generators, lower operational costs for public institutions, and ease pressure on the national electricity grid.
“The Federal Government’s vision is that no federal institution of higher learning in this country should remain energy-insecure. That is why we are committed to delivering more than 100 megawatts of alternative energy across 72 primary healthcare centres and tertiary institutions,” Abdullahi said.
The ECN boss noted that the Renewed Hope Solarisation Project has accelerated the deployment of hybrid energy systems in universities, teaching hospitals, and research institutions across the country.
He further disclosed that the commission recently facilitated a landmark partnership with Chinese solar manufacturing giant LONGi to establish a solar panel production facility in Nigeria. According to him, the project is expected to boost local manufacturing capacity, create jobs, and position Nigeria as a regional hub for solar technology exports.
Abdullahi explained that the first phase of the solarisation programme involves the installation of solar photovoltaic arrays integrated with battery energy storage systems to ensure uninterrupted power supply beyond daylight hours.
He added that the systems will be deployed in decentralised clusters to enhance resilience and simplify management, while a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) centre will provide real-time monitoring of power generation, distribution, and overall system performance.
The project also includes the installation of solar-powered streetlights to improve security around campuses and health facilities.
Among the first beneficiaries of the programme are the University of Abuja, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, and the ECN Research Centre in Enugu.
Providing updates on ongoing projects, Abdullahi said the commission has commenced the installation of a 2-megawatt solar power system at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, while a 4-megawatt system is being installed at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
He also revealed that a groundbreaking ceremony was recently held at Bayero University, Kano, for the installation of a 1-megawatt solar power facility.
According to him, each project forms part of a broader national programme aimed at providing sustainable electricity to hospitals and tertiary institutions across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
“As Nigerians celebrate President Tinubu’s third year in office, we at the Energy Commission of Nigeria wish him continued success as he drives the Renewed Hope Agenda and advances Nigeria’s development through strategic investments in renewable energy,” Abdullahi said.
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