TheCable

The federal executive council (FEC) has approved the establishment of an Economic Sustainability Committee (ESC) to provide solar power scheme to five million households that are not connected to the national grid.

In a statement on Tuesday, Aaron Artimas, special assistant on media and communication to Saleh Mamman, minister of power, said the programme is in collaboration with state governments.

He stated that the committee is chaired by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and comprises several cabinet members.

Artimas noted that the committee will ensure accelerated progress and efficiency between the implementing partners and states.

According to him, the committee is expected to also draw participation from private sector solar providers, including SMEs, in the deployment of solar power to the households.

“The ESC is further expected to attract investment of solar panel manufacturers into Nigeria, building on the work already done by NASENI and others,” Artimas said.

The power minister’s aide added that the committee would also encourage private sector financing for off-grid solar energy projects with a minimum Tier (SOW-150W) system.

He explained that the programme is being implemented through existing structures within the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), with approved financing facilities from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and participating financial institutions.