FG approve N100bn to deploy solar power systems in public institutions

The federal government on Sunday, March 8, approved N100 billion to deploy solar power systems in public institutions across Nigeria under the National Public Sector Solarization Initiative (NPSSI).

Managing director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Engr Abba Aliyu, disclosed this during a visit by the administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), justice Babatunde Adejumo, to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

Aliyu explained that the initiative is designed to address persistent electricity challenges faced by government institutions, particularly those struggling with inadequate power supply or rising energy costs.

According to him, the programme forms part of the federal government’s broader strategy to expand electricity access through renewable energy solutions.

“President Bola Tinubu approved N100 billion for the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative, and this is where the National Judicial Institute can benefit,” Aliyu said.

He noted that the intervention is targeted at public institutions that are either underserved or facing difficulties paying for a conventional electricity supply.

Aliyu added that implementation of the initiative has already begun in several key government establishments, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the National hospital Abuja and several educational institutions nationwide.

He also revealed that the REA would carry out an energy audit at the NJI to determine the appropriate capacity of the solar mini-grid system needed for the institute.

“Once the energy audit is completed, we will determine the size of the mini-grid and the distribution network that will be deployed,” he said.

Aliyu further assured the management of the NJI that the institute would be captured in the programme as the agency continues expanding renewable energy infrastructure across public sector facilities.

Earlier, Adejumo emphasized the importance of a stable electricity supply for the efficient operation of judicial institutions, noting that modern judicial training and research rely heavily on dependable power.