REA Supports 80,000 Shops with off-Grid Electricity
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is supporting 80,000 shops across the country with off-grid electricity in 2019.
This happens as the Power, Works and Housing Minister, Babatunde Raji Fashola, said the Federal Government is channeling its resources into building the economy through provision of energy sources, which include On- grid and Off-grid methods of electricity.
The agency is achieving this goal through a scheme known as Energising Economies Initiative. Being an arm of the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, REA has mapped out 16 economic clusters across the country, with a view to providing them clean, safe, affordable and reliable power for growth.
In a statement, REA’s Director of Promotions, Ayang Ogbe, said over 340,000 micro, small and medium sizes enterprises (MSME) would be provided with solar power for growth. Ogbe, also said that 2,500 jobs would be created for Nigerians across various sectors through the initiative, adding that the idea would help in encouraging socio-economic growth in Nigeria.
According to him, more than 18,000 Nigerians, including the16 economic clusters would be provided with the Off-Grid method of electricity, preferably solar.
The statement said: “Through the Initiative, more than the 300,000 economic clusters in the country would be supported with solar electricity, in order to improve economic activities. Aside this is the fact that rural electricity agency is providing green energy. Through this, the country would be saved from the harmful effects of greenhouse carbon emissions.’’
Other achievements recorded by REA include the launch of three pilot projects that would help in electrifying 50,000 shops in Sabon Gari (Kano State), Ariaria market (Abia State) and Sura Shopping Complex in Lagos State. Also, the initiative has helped in providing an Independent Power Project (IPP) in Sura Shopping Complex and lately Iponri market and 12 other markets in Lagos.”