• Through the Nigeria Electrification Program, World Bank is investing in renewable energy development.
• About 25 communities are set to benefit from this investment.
The Rural Electrification Agency under the World Bank -Nigeria Electrification Program is set to provide solar systems for rural communities in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria. The state commissioner for Power, Dr John Etim, noted that the state is working with the REA to deploy solar mini-grid systems.
“We are deploying solar energy for several communities to benefit from the National Solar Programme. We tapped into the World Bank/REA Nigeria Electrification Program and investment in renewable energy, and over 25 communities have been marked across the state for solar-powered mini-grid. Work has already started in Ini local government to build a mini-grid that will supply solar-powered electricity to the communities there.”
The commissioner further disclosed that over 2,274 communities had been connected to the national grid as part of the Power for All project, an initiative of Governor Udom Emmanuel to increase electricity access. “We have attained 94 per cent in the connection of the 2,274 gazetted villages to the national grid, and believe me that we have performed remarkably well in this regard,” Etim added.