- Governor Otu highlighted solar projects at UNICAL, hospitals, and home systems, while calling for more mini-grids and hybrid solutions to boost underserved communities.
- REA and state officials emphasised the importance of stronger partnerships and the role of the 2023 Electricity Act in empowering states.
Governor Bassey Otu called for increased investments in clean energy to boost development in Cross River State’s blue and green economies. He made the call on Tuesday, November 25, at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Strategic Roundtable, represented by Deputy Governor Peter Odey.
Otu praised REA for expanding electricity access through regulatory support, technical assistance, and the development of bankable renewable energy projects. He highlighted the 10 MW solar farm at the University of Calabar, developed with support from the German government and private sector, which has improved the university’s and its teaching hospital’s power supply.
He also noted the installation of mini-grids at the General Hospital in Ogoja and the Navy Reference Hospital in Calabar. Additionally, the distribution of 10,000 home solar units, over 1,000 solar streetlights, and transformers has increased electricity access across the state.
Odey said 15 of the state’s 18 local government areas still lack reliable power. He cited prolonged blackouts in Ikom and persistent outages in Ogoja. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to more solar mini-grids, hybrid systems, and energy-as-a-service models to support fisheries, agriculture, forestry, and eco-tourism.
Secretary to the Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, said improving electricity access has been a top priority since 2023. He added that the roundtable brings together RESCOs, policy experts, and officials to accelerate electrification in unserved communities.
REA Managing Director/CEO Dr. Abba Aliyu said the 2023 Electricity Act empowers states to shape their energy future. He commended Cross River for attracting critical clean energy investments.