The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has unveiled plans to allocate $380 million toward providing electricity to public schools and health centers across 18 nations, including Nigeria, Benin, Chad, and others in West Africa and the Sahel. The initiative aims to address the severe electricity shortages that impact over 208 million people, particularly those in rural areas.
Speaking at a stakeholder forum in Abuja on Thursday, El Hadji Sylla, Senior Adviser for the ECOWAS Commission’s Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project, highlighted the project’s objectives, which are funded by the World Bank, the Clean Technology Fund, and the Dutch government. He emphasized that the initiative’s primary goal is to enhance electricity access in rural communities by focusing on off-grid energy solutions for key public services.
“The project’s budget stands at $380 million, and we aim to create an innovative approach to electrify public institutions. Our focus is on bringing power to schools and healthcare centers to improve their service delivery,” Sylla explained.
He added that Nigeria and Benin will serve as pilot countries for the project, which covers 15 ECOWAS member states and four Sahel nations. “The ultimate objective is to improve service delivery at these institutions,” Sylla said, noting that the project will span five years, with the pilot phase in Nigeria and Benin set for completion within 18 months.
In Nigeria, the program will begin by bringing power to selected schools and health centers in the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, and Nasarawa states.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, noted that Nigeria’s rural electrification initiatives have advanced significantly, thanks to financial grants and subsidies. Represented by Bem Ayangeaor, Adelabu expressed optimism that increased public support will encourage greater private-sector investment in the electrification sector.
“I am confident that the rural electrification sector in Nigeria has made considerable strides, and soon, public support will be able to attract private sector financing at a much higher efficiency level,” Adelabu stated. “We envision a future where private investment in rural electrification grows due to the clear benefits it brings.”
Muyibat Olodo, Director of Technology and Science Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, underscored the vital role electricity plays in modern education, especially in institutions focusing on science and technology.
“In Nigeria, access to electricity is not a luxury, particularly in public schools. An uninterrupted power supply is essential, especially in institutions that emphasize science and technology education,” Olodo concluded.
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