Yemi Adedeji, Abuja
The World Bank says 80 million Nigerians do not have access to electricity while millions more suffer from poor service. research form
Mac Cosgrove-Davies, World Bank Global Lead, Energy Access, made this known Tuesday during the opening ceremony, of the “4th Mini Grid Action Learning Event: “Upscaling Mini Grids for Low-Cost and Timely Access to Electricity”.
He said the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) expects mini grids to fill a substantial portion of that gap covering up to 8000 villages nationwide.
“Globally, more than 1 billion people still lack access to electricity; Sub Saharan Africa is home to about 600 million of these. In Nigeria, 80 million people are without access, and millions more suffer from poor service. REA expects mini grids to fill a substantial portion of that gap covering up to 8000 villages nationwide.” He said
He added that, “this is not a job for any one of us alone. As mentioned, the government of Nigeria is pushing hard toward universal electrification.
“The Nigerian government has asked the World Bank’s support for a National Electrification Project that focuses on off-grid opportunities including mini grids and the World Bank is delighted to respond to this request. We know that our development partners – many in this room – are also standing shoulder-to-shoulder with government on this effort.
“For the World Bank’s part, the National Electrification Project fits well into a broader energy portfolio in Nigeria which aims to holistically support sector development.
“ Together with all of you, we are seeking to help our Nigerian colleagues make the most of international expertise and experience as it fits the Nigerian setting. We must all contribute, each in our own way,” he stated.
