Energy
Renewable energy: LASG ready to partner investors
By Kunle KALEJAYE
LAGOS – The Lagos State Government has expressed readiness to partner with investors in implementing a framework that will harness its renewable energy resources.
The framework is expected to encourage and guide the development of renewable energy projects by all stakeholders in both the public and private sectors.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Mrs. Regina Obasa disclosed this at a Community Enterprise Development Conference held at De Renaissance Hotel, Ikeja.
The Permanent Secretary who represented the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) said that Lagos being the commercial and economic capital of Nigeria implies that Lagos State as a mega-city requires a lot of energy to thrive.
“Lagos require adequate access to energy for economic transformation of the State. It is one of the fastest ways to cut rural poverty, boost productivity and accelerate education and health outcomes, both in urban and rural areas” the Permanent Secretary said.
Mrs. Obasa disclosed that Lagos requires minimum of 10, 0000 megawatts of electricity daily but hardly get 700Megawatts from the national grid.
To address the inadequacy, the State is investing in independent power projects (IPP) to take care of government offices and establishments thereby releasing more power to Lagosians.
While decrying Federal Government policies that are not effective especially in the area of electricity generation, she called for a Legislation that will allow each state to generate and transmit its own electricity for its citizenry.
She also called on investors to take advantage of abundant renewable resources like solar, biomass, wind, hydro and tidal waves with low greenhouse gas emission coefficients and primary energy factors to ensure availability, accessibility and affordability to modern energy for economic and commercial activities.
Declaring the workshop open, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government Establishment and Pension Office, Mr Ashimi Jamiu Adewole called on the Federal Government to put in place policies that will protect the intellectual copyrights of Nigerian so as to encourage others to develop and build up infrastructures in the renewable energy sector of the economy.
Convener and Executive Director, African Women and Youth Organisation, (AWYO) Mrs. Olayinka Elizabeth Adekunle said the major objective of the workshop is to create a first-hand meeting with German investors and research institutes in Lagos to dialogue on possible area of partnership and funding as well as identifying detailed means of using viable alternatives to help solve present and future challenges in the energy and agricultural sectors thus ensuring food sustainability and economic security.
Lead facilitator and Head of Bioeconomy, German Institute of Food Technology, Dr. Alexander Mathys, spoke extensively on the German experience in alternative energy and Food security and Sustainability which he said can be replicated in Nigeria.
Speakers at the workshop called for a more concerted effort by both the State and Federal Government to be involved in international research and development and the application of commercially viable, large-scale technologies for renewable sources of electricity generation and food production in the Country.
Participants at the workshop were drawn from both the Local and State Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
In the wake of a prolonged power crisis impacting Northern Nigeria, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu visited the Zawaciki 1MWp mini-grid project in Kano, underscoring the potential of decentralized renewable energy solutions to alleviate regional power shortages.
The project, operated by Bagaja Renewables, provides daytime electricity to the Gida Dubu community, offering a vital source of power as the region faces widespread blackouts.
READ MORE: BREAKING: NPF Arraigns VDM Over Impersonation
Sadiq Zakari, Managing Director of Bagaja Renewables, welcomed the Minister to the facility and highlighted the critical timing of the visit.
“Bagaja Renewables had the distinct honor of welcoming the Honorable Minister of Power to the Zawaciki 1MWp interconnected mini-grid,” Zakari said.
“This visit comes at a critical time, as Northern Nigeria endures a prolonged blackout, underscoring the urgent need for alternative power solutions.
The Zawaciki mini-grid has been instrumental during this crisis, providing at least 9 hours of daytime electricity to the Gida Dubu community, demonstrating the potential of renewable energy in addressing the region’s energy needs.”
Minister Adelabu praised the Zawaciki project as a model for interconnected mini-grids nationwide, noting its role as a sustainable solution for communities grappling with unreliable power supply.
“The Honorable Minister expressed admiration for the Zawaciki project, recognizing it as a viable proof of concept for interconnected mini-grids across Nigeria,” Zakari stated.
“He emphasized the importance of such initiatives and called on state governors and other key stakeholders to support efforts to decentralize and strengthen the nation’s power infrastructure.
By backing projects like Zawaciki, stakeholders can play an instrumental role in reducing reliance on the national grid and ensuring a more stable power supply for local communities.”
Zakari underscored the transformative potential of private-sector renewable energy projects in Nigeria’s power landscape.
He said, “As we have witnessed here at Zawaciki, private-sector-driven renewable energy solutions can transform Nigeria’s energy landscape. With the right policies and support, we can empower communities and enhance energy resilience, even in times of national power instability.”
In addition to the Zawaciki project, Bagaja Renewables is developing several renewable energy initiatives across Northern Nigeria. Among these are:
Barhim Estate, Katsina: A residential power initiative aimed at expanding energy access for households in the region.
Kura-Karfi Commercial Cluster, Kano: Focused on delivering clean and reliable power to commercial areas, this project aims to support local businesses and stimulate economic growth.
Kafin Hausa, Jigawa: With site fencing completed, Bagaja Renewables is preparing to begin technical design and engineering work for a mini-grid in Kafin Hausa, slated to start construction soon.
Zakari said, “These projects represent Bagaja Renewables’ unwavering commitment to building a resilient, decentralized, and renewable-powered energy future across Northern Nigeria.
“Bagaja Renewables is dedicated to collaborating with the government and stakeholders to scale up renewable energy solutions that will support communities, industries, and essential services.
“We believe that decentralized power generation is the future for Nigeria, and we are eager to contribute to a sustainable, reliable, and inclusive energy system for all.” he added
Power has been restored across Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, and Benue States, bringing relief to residents who endured a 10-day blackout.
The Jos Electricity Distribution Company confirmed that electricity was reinstated around 7:20 p.m. on Wednesday, prompting celebrations in Jos, the Plateau State capital, and other affected areas.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Tinubu Appoints Major General Oluyede As Acting Chief of Army Staff
The prolonged outage was caused by the tripping of a major 330kV transmission line between Benue and Enugu states, leaving several northern states without power.
The blackout severely impacted daily life and economic activities, with residents expressing frustration over the disruption to businesses, healthcare services, and personal livelihoods.
In response, President Bola Tinubu took swift action, summoning Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to address the crisis.
Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga disclosed on Monday that President Tinubu directed the Ministry of Power and relevant agencies to expedite restoration efforts.
“President Tinubu is deeply concerned about the reports of vandalism and deliberate destruction of essential power infrastructure,” Onanuga said in a statement.
“The President has tasked TCN engineers with bringing immediate relief to the affected states and implementing a long-term solution to prevent future outages.”
The Federal Government of Nigeria Power Company (FGN Power Company) has announced significant progress in the pilot phase of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), which is set to revolutionize the nation’s electricity transmission landscape.
The initiative, in partnership with Siemens, aims to enhance the country’s power infrastructure through the deployment of advanced technology and equipment.
READ MORE: ‘Only Savior Created By God For Nigeria’ – Presidency Slams Obasanjo
Kenny Anuwe, the Managing Director and CEO of FGN Power Company, revealed that the installation and commissioning of eight power transformers across key locations are now complete.
The transformers have been successfully deployed in Ajah, Maryland, Apo, Okene, Ihovbor, Amukpe, Potiskum, and Birnin Kebbi, resulting in a notable increase in the transmission wheeling capacity by 569.6 megawatts (MW).
In addition to the transformers, three mobile substations are operational in Ajah, Jebba, and Kawnar Dangora, further boosting the transmission capacity by an additional 151.2 MW.
Anuwe emphasized that these enhancements are pivotal in addressing the energy needs of the country and supporting economic growth.
Looking ahead, Anuwe stated that the transmission network will be augmented by an impressive 720.8 MW, with plans to commission the remaining equipment to deliver at least another 500 MW by the end of 2024.
This strategic initiative is expected to significantly improve power distribution and reliability, marking a transformative step towards a more robust energy sector in Nigeria.
Don’t Ignore These Hidden Health Clues In Your Urine
JUST IN: Equatorial Guinea Blocks WhatsApp Multimedia Amid Engonga Sex Scandal
U.S. Election: Historic Decision Looms As Kamala Harris, Trump Enter Dead-Heat Contest
US Election: Cardi B Expresses Nerves
Tragic Building Collapse In R/State Leaves One Dead, Several Injured
JUST IN: Justice Adeyeye, Ekiti State’s CJ Passes On
OSSG Raises Alarm Over Murder Plot By APC Chieftain
NCC, SMEDAN, NAICOM, SEC, Others Set for SUPERNEWS SMEs Conf June 13
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
