Friday, November 29

Achieving universal energy access requires robust collaboration – Perm. Sec

By Constance Athekame

Mr Mahmuda Mamman, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power says achieving universal energy access requires robust collaboration between the public and private sectors as well as international development partners.

Mamman, represented by Mr Baba Mustapha, Director Distribution, Ministry of Power, said this in Abuja on Thursday at a sensitisation workshop.

The workshop was on Approved Standards and Regulations for Solar Mini-Grid Components/Materials Equipment and Safety Installation in Nigeria.

The workshop was organised by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) in collaboration with the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP).

Mamman said that achieving universal energy access was a key component of the country’s national development agenda, adding that events such as this serve as vital platforms for fostering such collaborations.

”This important initiative, organised by NEMSA and GIZ, reflects our collective dedication to enhancing safety, reliability, and efficiency in the renewable energy sector.

”Your attendance underscores the shared commitment we have towards ensuring the adoption of best practices in the renewable energy space as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy transition journey.

”By addressing critical issues such as the quality of solar components, proper installation practices, and safety measures, we advancing the reliabilityy and sustainability of our energy systems.

”We are also safeguarding the lives and investments of all stakeholders in the power sector, ”he said.

Mamman said that the ministry remained steadfast in its commitment to creating an enabling environment that supports innovation, investment, and growth within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

He said that the workshop was not just a gathering but a call to action.

“It is a call to all stakeholders—government agencies, private developers, industry experts, and policymakers to align with the Federal Government’s efforts towards achieving a safe, sustainable, and inclusive energy future for Nigeria ” he said.

According to him, by embracing and implementing these approved standards and regulations, we are paving the way for increased confidence among investors and end-users.

Ms Sharon Kaburuk, Head, Component, Capacity Development, Nigerian Energy Programme, NESP said that the new Electricity Act mandated that shift to technical standards and regulations are implemented within the Nigeria.

Kaburuk said that the focus of NESP lied in developing guidelines for the inspection and certification of solar mini-grids.

She said that ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of renewable
necessary codes, standards, regulations, and policies to advance electricity market was neApproved
“The NEMSA is at the forefront of enforcing and ensuring approved milestones.

”Additionally, we are in the process of procuring special solar mini-grid test through the generous support of the European Union (EU) and the German Government.

”Currently, we are supporting NEMSA in the development of guidelines for mini-grids which have emerged as a beacon of hope, particularly for our rural, unserved areas,” she said.

The Managing Director of NEMSA, Mr Aliyu Tukur, said that the theme of the workshop, “Strengthening and Safeguarding Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Landscape through Adherence to Established Standards and Regulations,” was both timely and crucial.

”As you are aware, Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan envisions that mini-grids will contribute an additional 2.6 Gigawatts (GW) capacity to the decentralised energy production of the country by 2030.

”This position underscores the importance of ensuring that solar mini-grid systems are implemented in a manner that guarantees sustainability.

”As you are aware, NEMSA is mandated to enforce technical standards and regulations in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI),” Tukur said.

He expressed commitment to ensuring that all electrical materials, equipment, and components met the highest quality, standards, and specifications.

According to him, NEMSA is determined to ensure that renewable energy projects for electricity generation are carried out in line with approved technical standards and regulations to safeguard equipment, human lives and property.

He said that the workshop was a vital step toward addressing these issues, and provides a platform to engage key stakeholders from both the private and public sectors.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *