Power Minister Tegbe Announces Solar Project at University

On September 16, Minister of Power Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe announced improvements in electricity supply, stating that some consumers reported their freezers were functioning properly due to enhanced power availability. At the commissioning of a solar hybrid power project at the University of Abuja, Tegbe noted that residents who previously experienced three months without electricity were now receiving up to 18 hours daily.

He highlighted the fragility of progress due to aging infrastructure, with some equipment over 40 years old. Tegbe also addressed the issue of vandalism, revealing that three major transmission towers in Birnin Kebbi had been deliberately destroyed.

In response, the Federal Government established a joint working committee to protect electricity assets. The solar project, which includes a 3.3-megawatt solar array and battery storage, aims to provide reliable electricity to key university facilities, benefiting over 58,726 students.

The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, called the project a significant milestone.