Solution to Nigeria's Energy Challenges lies with Renewable Solar Power says Power Minister, Adelabu

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu has called for more Public and Private partnership (PPP) in harnessing the renewable solar power to provide faster solution to Nigeria energy challenges.
He made this call while commissioning the 240KW solar car park donated to the University of Nigeria Nsukka by Azura Power West Africa Limited, one of the leading players in Nigeria’s Power sector.
Chief Adelabu emphasized that as a developing nation, Nigeria faces many energy challenges but the most promising solution to these challenges lies in harnessing the solar power.

(L- R) The representative of the Minister of Power, Dr Sunday Owolabi ; Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof Romanus EzeOkonkwo and Engr Edu Okeke, MD/CEO, Azura Power West Africa company limited addressing the audience at the commissioning ceremony of the 240kw Solar Car park donated to UNN by Azura Power company.

He averred that the solar energy is abundant in the country and it’s use presents an opportunity for cleaner and more sustainable power generation especially in rural and off grid areas.

” The partnership between the Federal government and Private sector players such as Azura Power company is crucial to ensuring that we accelerate the development of renewable energy solutions across Nigeria.
It is through such collaborations that we can achieve the ambitious targets set in Renewable Energy Master Plan and our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Climate Agreement. “
According to him, with effective use of the solar energy car park, the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) has the potential to revolutionize how the institution powers its facilities.
“The 240KW car park will not only provide a reliable and sustainable energy source to power various university facilities but also serve as educational tool for staff alike.”
The Minister who was represented by the Director, Renewable and Rural Power Access Department,Dr Sunday Owolabi, believes that the pioneer project will provide a model for other institutions across the country to replicate further demonstrating how universities can lead by example in adopting sustainable energy solutions.
He assured that the Tinubu administration in collaboration with the ministry of power remain fully committed to driving the adoption of renewable energy Technologies across the country; stressing that government is working tirelessly to create the right policies , frameworks and incentives that will attract more investment in the renewable energy sector.
He said that the ongoing energy reforms including the implementation of renewable Energy Master Plan, National Policy on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, National Renewable Energy Action Plan and the establishment of mini-grids in rural area communities are just some of the ways of ensuring that renewable energy becomes a central part of Nigeria’s energy mix.

The Power Minister’ representive, Dr Sunday Owolabi. Cutting the tape to unveil the Plaque of the Solar Car park

The Minister emphasized the Federal government recognized the critical role that institutions like the UNN play in shaping the future of the nation even as he paid glowing tribute and appreciation to Azura Power West Africa Limited for the generous donation and UNN for embracing the transformative project.
Earlier the Managing Director and Chief Executive of Azura Power West Africa Limited Engr,Edu Okeke said that the commissioning was both a milestone and proud moment, that started with a vision to empower the faculty of engineering of his alma mater with sustainable energy solutions.

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof Romanus Eze Okonkwo cutting the get open, flanked on the on the left by by Mrs Nonye Obibuaku, CFO, and Engr Edu Okeke MD/ CEO Azura Power West Africa company limited

According to him, the project dates back to 2022 at the 19th Herbert Macaulay Memorial Lecture where he announced Azura ‘s commitment to support the vision with solar power installation, enthusing that “here we are celebrating its realization”
He pointed out that Azura Power is the developer and operator of the 459MW Azura-Edo IPP, supplying around 10 percent of Nigeria’s grid Power.
Speaking further, he said since it’s inception, Azura understood that it’s impact extends beyond power generation.
” Through our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives – Power to Change -:we committed a significant portion of our resources to support Education Health and Infrastructure and Sustainable Livelihoods; aligning withUN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”
” Our annual CSR budget initially set at one million US dollars (USD1m) is dedicated to projects like this, projects that create a lasting , positive impact in our host communities and across Nigeria.”
Edu Okeke argued that the 240KW solar car park at the faculty of engineering is more than a physical asset or infrastructural addition. It is a commitment to Nigeria’s energy transition and a beacon of our dedication to educational and social advancement ” , he said. He stressed that Azura is immensely honoured to contribute to this vital endeavor.
While hoping that the faculty enables the students, fondly called Agbebites, to study and innovate with fewer disruptions, to explore their potential as leaders and problem solvers, he urged the students to make good use of the facility.
On the economic significance of the project, Okeke said that the project is programmed to save about N150 million annually in energy costs and reduce diesel usage by135,000 litres per year which is equivalent to cutting carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions down by 351000kg. This ,he said, is a step towards cleaner,more sustainable future for our environment.

Minister’ of Power’s Representative, Dr Sunday Owolabi and the MD/CEO Azura Power company Engr. Edu Okeke arriving at the commissioning ceremony.

Building on this success, Azura Power West Africa Limited plans to expand the initiative to five more Universities across Nigeria. “Beyond Universities, we have already extended similar projects to schools like KNOSK School in Abuja and others in Edo and Borno States with a goal of achieving 2MW of Solar capacity by 2035.
Azura Power West Africa Limited as a mission to support Education reduce emissions and drive sustainability across the country.