The current low and unstable supply of electricity to homes and businesses, particularly to Customers in Kogi State, Niger State, Nasarawa State and Abuja, FCT is as a result of low power generated to the National Grid.

This is according to a Press Release issued by the Management of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company Plc. (AEDC).

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Following the statement, AEDC’s Chief Marketing Officer, Mr Donald Etim, while addressing some members of the media community at a recent media event said: “In recent weeks, the level of power generated and served to the national grid for onward delivery to customers has been abysmally low. However, we do our utmost, at all times, to ensure that we equitably distribute even that modest supply in such a way that a fair cross section of customers are served”.

He further added; “At AEDC, knowing full well the place and role of electric power in life, living, economy, and security, we are deeply committed to ensuring that we work collaboratively with other stakeholders within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) to identify and resolve the challenges within the sector. The root causes of this latest low generation have been identified and are being addressed.

There is perhaps no better way to assure our esteemed customers today than in the words of the Honourable Minister of Power, Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu. Speaking at a Special Press Briefing held 3rd March 2022 in Abuja, the Minister said specifically on the recent power delivery challenges: “I would like to discuss the increased load shedding you may have observed in Abuja and other areas in the country. With the reduction in Hydro capacity during the dry season additional load needs to be taken up by our Gas plants. We are having maintenance work in the Eastern Axis around Odukpani leading to reduced power supply from the usually reliable NDPHC Calabar Power Plant and we are having challenges at Okoloma Gas Station linked to Afam VI power plant. We are working with NNPC and other Gas suppliers also to improve the pressure on the Western Axis that is precluding units from reaching optimum supply. These challenges are surmountable, and we have a 3-pronged approach we are executing… we have short term solutions as well as long term solutions. We are working assiduously to resolve short term load shedding challenges”.

He stated that, though the AEDC is fully committed to enriching its customers experience, the management regrettably said the challenge of low generation is beyond AEDC’s direct control.

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Author: Gift Wada, Abuja

The Federal Government has signed €9.3 million contract with eight indigenous solar developers for the construction of 23 mini-grids.

The contract in line with the Interconnected Mini-grid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS), is targeted at boosting electricity supply to rural communities in the country. The 23 mini-grids are situated across eleven states of the Federation.

The €9.3 million Project which is coordinated by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) with support from the European Union and the German government through the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), is expected to generate a 5.4-kilowatt peak to connect about 27,600 households, and impact over 138,000 Nigerians in two years.

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Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, while speaking at the grant award signing ceremony said that he was pleased with the development which is geared towards achieving the country’s vision of generating at least, 30, 000 megawatts of electricity by 2030.

The Minister further commended the management of REA for their efforts and actions towards ensuring power reaches the off-grid Communities in the country, while stressing that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is always open to opportunities that will achieve the acceleration of electricity in Nigeria.

The Minister stated that according to the developed National Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Policy, the vision 30:30:30 aims at achieving 30,000 Mega Watts of electricity by the year 2030, with renewable energy contributing 30 per cent of the energy mix. He noted that to achieve this, Nigeria will have to construct over a thousand mini-grids of 100 Killowatts.

Acknowledging that government cannot achieve the target alone, he however, said that it was important to continue to find creative and innovative ways to achieve it, and one of which is through collaborating with development partners and the private sector.
According to him, the eight (8) local solar mini-grid developers, Acob Lighting Technology Limited, Gve Projects, Nayo Tropical Technology Limited, Rubitec Nigeria Limited, Darway Coast Nigeria Limited, Havenhill Synergy Limited, Sosa-Protergia Joint Development Company Limited, and A4&T Power Solutions Limited will receive in-kind grants through REA with support of the European Union and the German Government within the framework of the NESP. The developers will be expected to develop 23 mini-grids across eleven states which include, Zamfara, Niger, Plateau, Kwara, Kogi, Osun, Ogun, Lagos, Delta, Anambra, and Cross River, the indigenous developers”.

Managing Director of REA, Engineer Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad earlier said that the scheme is aimed at bridging the funding gap which is affecting indigenous developers in the renewable energy sector.

Engineer Ahmad explained that it is hoped that the signatures put down in these documents set a precedent for the new and improved power and energy sector in Nigeria.

He also said the main objective of the intervention is to design and test a tender model for interconnected solar mini-grids, invariably leading to the foundation of the Scheme which will bring about the anticipated improvement in the sector.

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The AG. Controller general, federal fire service (ffs), Karebo Pere samson has cautioned Nigerians against storage of premium motor spirits (PMS) popularly known as petrol in their homes during this period of scarcity.

Karebo said petrol is a highly inflammable liquid which if not handled carefully can cause serious fire explosion.

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This was disclosed in a statement released by Abraham Paul the public relations officer of the services

Karebo explained that invariably there is always a risk of a fire outbreak or an explosion if there is a source of ignition nearby such as a naked flame or an electrical spark.

The ag controller general stressed that Nigerians should avoid any act which could lead to fire outbreak in their environment.

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