The federal government has announced the distribution of free solar household systems across the country in order to mitigate the negative impact of the removal of fuel subsidies.
During an inspection visit to Makoko, Lagos, over the weekend, the Managing Director of Rural Electrification Agency, Ahmad Salihijo, stated that the FG has directed the agency to increase the deployment of free solar systems to households, schools, and hospitals across the country.
According to him, this was part of the Ministry of Power’s Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy program.
“We’re here for a quick inspection. REA arrived here as part of our programs under one of our initiatives, the Poverty Reduction and Growth and Strategy Programme, which was approved by the Federal Government.
“We are aware of the removal of fuel subsidies and have determined that solar systems would be more useful in areas such as this, where there is insufficient power supply.” “What we’ve done is tested how we can distribute decentralized solar systems, specifically 150 watts, to very critical places in this neighborhood–small schools, homes, and hospitals where we can provide lighting, power for their fans, and televisions,” he explained.
According to him, 30 such solar systems have been installed in the Makoko village so far.
“We are pleased with the feedback we have received thus far because the beneficiaries have reaped the benefits of the systems.” “This program will be continued because more funds for the deployment of more systems have been approved,” he stated.
Salihijo went on to say that the agency also went to Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State and Osogbo in Osun State, where solar systems were installed in markets and agricultural centres.
“While we had to charge a fee for those deployed to markets and agricultural plantations in Ijebu and Osogbo, those deployed to homes, hospitals, and schools are completely free,”
He explained.
The traditional leader of Makoko Community, Migbewe 2, Chief Jeje Albert, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and stated that the community was pleased with the noble project.
He then urged the administration to install more of these solar systems in the community for widespread benefit.