The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing on Tuesday launched an electricity project that could save Nigeria over N270 million.
The 1.52 solar micro grid power system was commissioned at the headquarters of the ministry in Abuja by President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by SGF Boss Mustapha; and assisted by Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola and Minister of State for Works and Housing, Engr Abubakar D.Aliyu.
The President said the 1.52 MegaWatts Solar System is part of Nigeria’s commitment to the Paris Climate Change Agreement which he signed on behalf of the country to reduce carbon emission globally.
He commended the ministry, saying that the project has placed the Federal Government as a champion on the use of renewable energy, not just off-grid and for the last-mile, but also within urban contexts for commercial users.
The system will ensure that the ministry’s headquarters has constant electricity outside of the national grid, mainly using solar.
In his keynote address, Fashola said: “This project was approved by the Federal Executive Council on the 20th March 2019 at the time when the Ministry of Power was part of Works and Housing.
“It would see to the reduction of average diesel consumption from 764,248 litres per annum to 166,825 litres per annum and cost saving of NGN270,945,000 over 20 years.”
“It has led to the upgrade and retrofitting of our electrical appliances by replacing 400 old Air-conditioning units with 400 new inverter-based energy efficient Air-conditioning units and replacing 2600 old light fittings with energy efficient LED ones all of which are energy saving because they consume 40% less energy.”
He said the project employed 382 artisans and 176 skilled workers throughout its duration, in fulfilment of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of creating jobs.
Minister of Environment, Dr. Muhammed Abubakar and the Deputy Secretary General of United Nations, Hajiya Amina Mohammed also presented goodwill messages.
