Why FG opted for solar power at health centres, schools

of health centres, unity schools and communities that were in time past faced with the absence of electricity for a productive health and education sectors.”

Mr Jedy-Agba who supervises REA, said the agency has the mandate to provide electricity for unserved and underserved communities to catalyse economic growth and improve the quality of life for Nigerians.

Mr Jedy-Agba had in September 2020 commissioned the Volsus Solar for Health (VSFH) at Karu PHC in Abuja, the first facility for a PHC to be donated by the private sector - Volsus Energy Limited - to a government health facility. However, these 200 PHCs being targeted are wholly financed by the federal government.

Speaking on the implementation of key projects by REA, the Managing Director/CEO, Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, said REA is implementing the Rural Electrification Fund (REF), Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), Energising Education Programme (EEP), Grid Extension (capital projects), Energising Economies Initiative (EEI) and the Solar Power Naija Programme.

He also said REA was in the process of deploying solar power to another 100 major health facilities.

Salihijo said through these programmes, health centres, unity schools and communities would be strengthened with reliable power to deal with health cases, provide a conducive environment for quality education delivery and an improved standard of living.