The Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform initiatives as strategic pathways towards resolving Nigeria’s longstanding energy debt crisis.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday as part of activities marking the president’s second year in office, Abdullahi said the administration is addressing the challenge through multiple policy interventions, particularly in the renewable energy space.
He revealed that the Federal Government, through the ECN, is implementing a solarisation project aimed at reducing dependence on the fragile national grid, which has experienced frequent collapses and sabotage from vandals and insurgents.
According to the ECN boss, transitioning to solar energy is not merely an economic option but a strategic move towards national energy independence and tariff stability. He said the solarisation drive aligns with Tinubu’s broader commitment to reform the power sector, including the nationwide provision of stable electricity and prepaid metering systems.
“The solar initiative will deliver economic and social dividends, from job creation in solar panel manufacturing and maintenance to engineering innovation by local entrepreneurs,” he said.
“This is not just about powering Aso Rock; it’s about energising rural communities, empowering the underserved, and promoting energy equity across Nigeria.”
Abdullahi noted that the programme is designed to reduce the burden on the national grid while laying the foundation for a renewable energy-driven economy. He described it as a legacy project that supports the president’s agenda to curb energy debt, reduce governance costs, and elevate Nigeria’s position in the global clean energy landscape.
“History will remember this project as the spark that ignited Nigeria’s energy revolution — a future where clean, affordable power becomes a reality for all,” he stated.
