FEC okays allocation of N68.7b for key energy projects

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has given the green light for the release of ₦68.7 billion to fund crucial electricity infrastructure projects in selected universities and teaching hospitals across the country.

This was made known by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, following Thursday's FEC meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and presided over by President Bola Tinubu.

According to Adelabu, the initiative underlines the federal government's commitment to enhancing reliable power supply in critical sectors such as education and healthcare.

He explained that the projects will be executed under the Energising Education Programme, spearheaded by the Rural Electrification Agency.

The scope of work includes engineering, procurement, and construction aimed at delivering sustainable energy solutions to tertiary institutions and medical centers nationwide.

"This initiative aims to ease the energy cost burden on universities and hospitals by providing reliable, good-quality electricity," Adelabu stated.

He described the current electricity situation in many institutions as "disturbing" and a threat to effective service delivery. "The lack of stable power supply has created crisis situations in some schools and hospitals, with institutions unable to afford local electricity," he explained.

He added that blackouts and occasional industrial actions have occurred due to the unreliability of power.

Adelabu stated that similar renewable energy projects have already been implemented in some institutions, with support from the World Bank. Completed projects include:

- The University of Abuja

- The University of Niger (12 MW solar)

- Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (8 MW)

- The Nigerian Defence Academy (2.6MW)

- The Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (solar power)

The newly approved funding will support electrification in eight additional universities and teaching hospitals nationwide, including:

- University of Lagos

- Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

- Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife

- University of Nigeria, Nsukka

- University of Ibadan, with its University College Hospital

- University of Calabar

- The Federal University, Wukari

Adelabu said these new projects are expected to be completed within seven to nine months. "This is another step to ensure our universities enjoy uninterrupted electricity. Our institutions will never be the same again," he noted.

The second project approved targets Agricultural Centres of Excellence in rural areas using solar energy technology. "This goes beyond lighting homes; it supports productive use of solar-powered equipment in rural areas," Adelabu said.

He explained that the aim is to light up rural homes and power agro-processing businesses using solar systems. The initiative will deliver solar-powered processing tools to small and micro agricultural enterprises in underserved communities.