By joshua 
Ayo Ola
Risking their lives, going through interior areas in Nigeria, where there could be threats to lives, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Engineer Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, and his team have remained undeterred to provide the underserved Nigerians with electricity.
They have been trapped in gridlocks on some Nigerian roads and escaped security challenges, yet they remained committed to their official duties.
Going through swampy areas and mixing up with people who may be perceived as unrefined; walking far into bushes and swampy areas, they remained unafraid of the risk to their lives, just to ensure that more underserved Nigerians enjoyed electricity.
Ahmad and his team displayed such patriotism and heroism on Saturday when they visited Makoko, a Lagos suburb, on an assessment tour.
Their visit elicited jubilation to many of the residents, pupils, and teachers, in the area, who, for a long time, had not enjoyed electricity but have now started to enjoy solar power being provided by the Federal Government through the Rural Electrification Agency.
The Makoko tour was one of the visits of the agency’s management to South Western Nigeria to assess the impact on the beneficiaries and the progress of their projects in the zone.
The visit was also part of the agency’s commitment to ensure that its projects are implemented in accordance with approved technical standards and that they are having positive impacts on the lives of the beneficiaries.
The MD during the visits in South West of Nigeria, met with beneficiaries in Osogbo in Osun State, Ijebu Ode in Ogun State, and Makoko in Lagos State; to get their feedback on the projects. They also evaluated the projects’ progress and adherence to REA’s standards.
The 30KW power solar system at Ayegbaje International Market, in Osogbo, Osun State is expected to power 48 shops and will be a litmus test to incorporate over 1,600 shops in the market into the project. The project was assessed to be 95% completed.
The electrification project when implemented is to electrify economic clusters such as markets, shopping complexes and plazas in the country. The project already has recorded rates in Lagos, Kano, Abuja and some other states.
At Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, the project is a mini grid power plant at Eruwe power line farm village.
It is a 100kwp solar hybrid mini-grid deployed through the agency’s programmatic intervention, catalysing socio-economic impact and productive use of a mini-grid infrastructure. The visit gave the REA team the opportunity to receive real-time feedback from the community on the impact of the intervention, productive use, and energy access as well as its effect to mitigate fuel subsidy removal.
The Osun State project was a mini-grid energising economy initiative at Ayegbaju Market Osogbo which is an EEI project involving batteries and panels on site.
Speaking in Makoko, Ahmad, described solar energy as a veritable power source for Nigerians to adopt during this high cost of petrol.
He explained that the Federal Government had initiated the Solar Power Naija (SPN) program, as a proactive way to address the energy needs of Nigerians.
According to him, the deployment of solar energy solutions through the SPN program also contributes to mitigating the impact of fuel subsidy removal.
He added that by transitioning to renewable energy sources, the program reduces reliance on fossil fuels, which leads to cost savings and environmental benefits.
According to him, the shift towards clean energy aligns with global sustainability trends, positioning Nigeria as a participant in the global clean energy transition and opening up opportunities for renewable energy investment and collaboration.
He stated that the agency undertook an impact assessment visit to Osogbo, in Osun State, Ijebu in Ogun State and Makoko in Lagos State to access the impact of the renewable energy programs of the Federal Government on Nigerians.
Ahmad said, “On subsidy, we have seen some people who are using today generators powered by petrol. When we are able to substitute those generators with reliable power from solar technology, what it means is that they would seize to use those petrol generators, they will seize to buy petrol at the new price and be able to use the solar product and reliably provide themselves with the power they need for their own business, health care centres, schools and SMES.
“The beauty of renewable energy is that it is clean and reliable and it is quick to deploy. We have been here not too long and we have made this impact. If your compare that to the convention power, this would have taken a long time.
“The Solar Power Naija (SPN) program, implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), has significant economic implications for Nigerians. As part of the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) and the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP), this program is designed to promote industrialization, economic growth, and transformation, leading to improved livelihoods and increased economic activity.
“Moreover, the SPN program showcases the REA’s commitment to deploying impactful, data-driven projects. By leveraging data and analytics, the program ensures efficient energy distribution and optimal resource allocation. This approach minimizes waste, maximizes economic impact, and sets a precedent for evidence-based decision-making in future energy initiatives.”
He added, “While specific statistics on the economic impact of the SPN program in Makoko may not be available, the overall benefits of increased electricity access and renewable energy adoption are well-documented. Studies have shown that electrification projects can lead to significant socio-economic improvements, including increased incomes, job creation, improved education, and enhanced healthcare outcomes. These positive effects contribute to poverty reduction, economic empowerment, and sustainable development.
“The Solar Power Naija (SPN) program implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) holds substantial economic potential for Nigerians. By improving energy access, promoting renewable energy, and supporting various sectors, the program stimulates economic growth, enhances livelihoods, and contributes to the country’s poverty reduction and sustainability goals.
“In Makoko, the Solar Power Naija (SPN) program has deployed 9 large capacity solar home systems (SHS) to energize schools and clinics, and an additional 18 smaller capacity SHS for powering homes. These installations have had a direct impact on the local economy, enabling improved educational facilities, enhanced healthcare services, and increased productivity in households.”
He said the agency is planning to incorporate more stakeholders to increase sustainable renewal energy as a way of mitigating the impact of fuel subsidy. on the people, REA is planning to incorporate more stakeholders into it. He also said it is important to energise economic initiatives to provide renewable energies for the people.
According to him the ongoing construction of a 30kw solar system at Ayagbaju International Market, Osogbo is a way the FG wants to continue to electrify economic clusters like markets, clusters, shopping complexes and plazas.
He added that the FG’s project had had success in Lagos, Kano, Abuja and other states,
He also said FG through the agency is boosting agricultural development through renewable energy as the agency’s project in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State posits.
Executive Director, Technical Services, REA, Barka Sajou, said renewable energy has many positive impacts on the business and socio-economic lives of Nigerians.
He said, “We begin to see clearly that there is electricity and is not just about energy and sales but how it can transform lives, do more businesses, students are able to study in a better environment, some hospitals and clinics function, including religious institutions. The impact of energy access is immense.
“The beauty of renewable energy is that it is clean and reliable and it is quick to deploy. We have been here not too long and we have made this impact. If your compare that to the convention power, this would have taken a long time.
“On subsidy, we have seen some people who are using today generators powered by petrol. When we are able to substitute those generators with reliable power from solar technology, what it means is that they would seize to use those petrol generators, they will seize to buy petrol at the new price and be able to use the solar product and reliably provide themselves with the power they need for their own business, health care centres, schools and SMES.”
Chairman of Ayegbaje International market, Musbau Oroleye, said the renewable energy project has impacted the market and would boost commercial activities in the state.