In a significant move towards enhancing energy accessibility and promoting sustainable development, the Federal Government of Nigeria has commissioned a 30-megawatt power facility in Shagamu Local Government Area, Ogun State. This initiative marks the commencement of the Sustainable Energy Access Projects (SEAP), aiming to deliver decentralized, clean energy solutions across the nation's 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Overview of the Sustainable Energy Access Projects (SEAP)
The SEAP is a comprehensive program designed to address Nigeria's energy challenges by providing at least 5 megawatts of clean, decentralized energy to each LGA. The project's objectives include:
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Deployment of Solar and Gas-Powered Mini-Grids: To bridge the electricity gap in underserved and remote communities.
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Electrification of Tricycles: Conversion of 1,000 petrol-powered tricycles per LGA to electric versions, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions.
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Clean Cooking Initiative: Replacement of traditional cooking fuels with safer and more affordable LPG/CNG cylinders for over 20,000 households per LGA, addressing health and environmental concerns.
These components are strategically designed to support critical sectors such as agro-processing, healthcare delivery, transportation, and small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), thereby fostering inclusive economic growth.
Strategic Partnerships and Implementation
During the launch event, a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Data Analytics & Solutions International Ltd, and CCK Electric Power Technology Company. This collaboration aims to facilitate the effective rollout and implementation of SEAP nationwide.
The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, emphasized that the SEAP aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda and supports the national clean energy transition. He described the initiative as "a transformative solution to Nigeria’s energy challenge, combining innovation, inclusion, and impact at scale."
Call for Development Partner Support
The Ministry has called upon development partners, particularly the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to support the implementation of SEAP. The goal is to ensure that the benefits of the project reach women, youths, and underserved communities across Nigeria, thereby contributing to the nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in energy, health, environment, and gender equity.
Anticipated Impact
The nationwide rollout of SEAP is expected to:
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Create thousands of jobs, enhancing productivity in rural Nigeria.
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Reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability.
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Support Nigeria's drive towards achieving its SDGs, particularly in areas related to energy access and economic development.
By addressing energy poverty and promoting clean energy solutions, SEAP represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and inclusive future for Nigeria.
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