The agreement represents a collaborative effort between
Infrastructure Corporation (Infracorp) led by Dr Lazarus Angbazo, Solarge BV of
the Netherlands, and the African Green Infrastructure Investment Bank. This
partnership promises to unlock the potential of various economic sectors,
including agriculture, healthcare, and education, by providing reliable and
clean energy.
Recognizing the critical role of adequate energy supply,
Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, noted the government’s commitment to
fulfilling its promises and addressing the current challenges plaguing the
power sector. He stressed the crucial need for renewable energy sources to
overcome limitations in transmission, distribution, and generation capacity,
ultimately improving the lives of Nigerians and fostering economic growth.
“We bear witness to the enormous stress on our national grid
that continues to trigger power outages that adversely affect the daily lives
of our citizens: homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses of diverse scales,”
he said.
The Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Olawale Edun,
emphasized the massive market potential for solar energy in Nigeria and West
Africa, pointing out the paradoxical situation of abundant sunshine alongside
limited energy access. The establishment of this solar PV facility presents an
opportunity to address this issue and bring about positive change across
various sectors.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Doris Nkiruka
Uzoka-Anite emphasized the importance of industrialization in overcoming
socio-economic challenges and driving economic growth. She lauded the MoU as a
significant catalyst for the industrial sector, highlighting the vital role of
energy infrastructure in fostering innovation, job creation, and a sustainable
future.
Infracorp’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Angbazo, outlined
the project’s objective of revolutionizing Nigeria’s energy sector and
positively impacting various economic spheres. He emphasized the vision of
elevating Nigeria’s economy to $1 trillion through sustainable infrastructure,
with a focus on local manufacturing, green technologies, and climate-resilient
infrastructure.
This historic agreement marks a significant milestone for
Nigeria’s pursuit of a cleaner and more sustainable future. The commitment to
renewable energy sources paves the way for increased energy security, economic
growth, and improved quality of life for all Nigerians. With the expertise and
collaboration of international partners, Nigeria is poised to become a leader
in the renewable energy sector, not only within its borders but also across the
West African region. NAN