Nigeria government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has launched solar connection Scheme.
The scheme which is part of the government’s Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP), will roll out a 5 million new solar connections in off grid communities across Nigeria.
The program is expected to generate an additional N7 billion in tax revenues per annum and $10 million in import substitution.
The solar connection Scheme is a Federal government initiative whose objectives are to expand energy access to 25 million individuals, 5 million new connections through the provision of Solar Home Systems (SHS) or connection to a mini grid; increase local content in the off grid solar value chain and facilitate the growth of the local manufacturing and assembly industry as well as incentivize the creation of 250,000 new jobs in the energy sector.
The Solar Connection Intervention Facility with support of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is expected to complement government’s effort in providing affordable electricity to unserve rural communities through the provision of long-term low interest credit facilities to the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) pre-qualified SHS distributors and mini grid development companies.
This also include qualified home solar value chain players such as manufacturers and assemblers of solar components
“The Nigerian Government is committed to resolving the challenges and delivering the president’s objective to deliver efficient, stable, and reliable power to Nigerians and put Nigeria on the path to economic recovery.”- Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo
The REA Managing Director, Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, expressed optimism over the determination of the Federal Government to transform the power sector in accordance with its Next Level agenda. He stated that, “This is a testament to our dedication and commitment to scaling the off-grid solar market through provision of long term low interest credit facilities to the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) pre-qualified home solar value chain players that include manufacturers and assemblers of solar components and off-grid energy developers and retailers in the country”.
