Osinbajo Speaks on Economic Sustainability Plan’s (ESP) Solar Power Connections For 25 Million Nigerians

Vice President Osinbajo launched the 5 million solar power connections under Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) and said that rollout will continue across the 6 Geo-political zones, first in Edo, Lagos, Adamawa, Anambra, Kebbi and Plateau. The scheme will then go to the entire 36 states and the FCT, and will cover 25 million Nigerians in the end.

This photo taken by Tolani Alli, shows the VP, Governor Badaru and other dignitaries at the flag-off with the family of Auwalu Dauda who are among the first Jigawa State beneficiaries of the programme. It’s cleaner and more affordable energy for our people

According to the Vice President, President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is proud to launch the Solar Power Naija Programme which kicked off in Jigawa state and plans to deliver electricity to 25 Million Nigerians whose communities have been off the grid.

Under our Econonic Sustainability Plan, this power solution programme was designed by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) with the aim of powering 5 Million households through a N140 Billion financing programme for private developers. 

Kicking off in Jangefe, Jigawa state, we have planned a rollout across all 6 geopolitical zones in the country, reaching our 36 states, and ensuring that Nigerians have access to cheap and environmentally friendly renewable power.

The President had previously emphasized the need to diversify and decentralize power supply, and with the Covid-19 pandemic causing economic fallouts, implementing off-grid solutions like solar power became the best route. 
Through renewable solar power, we are able to cross off several goals at once – provide accessible power supply, while creating jobs for thousands in the solar industry, as well as those looking to join in.

This public-private sector partnership is supported by concessionary lending via the CBN and commercial banks. Subsidies and rebates to the tune of $200Million have also been set to ensure affordability for our final consumers – the people.

I would like to commend the Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Badaru Abubakar, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kazaure, the Emirate Council as well other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring that we got to this stage.

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN,Vice President,Federal Republic of Nigeria.

SAN,Vice President,Federal Republic of Nigeria.