Pulse.ng : Minister of Power inaugurates dual solar power projects at NDA

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, on Tuesday inaugurated a 2.5MW Captive Solar Hybrid Power Plant and 600kW Solar PV Plant at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna.

Adelabu said, “These projects, implemented by the Federal Ministry of Power and the Rural Electrification Agency underscored our commitment to improving electrification across key institutions in Nigeria.”

He said it was also part of their broader mandate to diversify energy sources, expand access to clean and reliable electricity, as well as support critical sectors of the national development, including education and security.

Adelabu said, “As an institution that combines academic rigour with military excellence, the NDA represents a strategic national asset that must be strengthened through sustainable infrastructure.

“Powering the academy with renewable energy aligns with our vision for a secure, self-reliant, and energy-efficient Nigeria.

“It also reflects our commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises accelerated national development through universal energy access, “he said.

The minister said the project also allowed them to reflect on the enduring partnership between the Nigerian power sector and the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Adelabu commended the military for its consistent support in protecting critical power infrastructure across the country.

He said, “Without your steadfast commitment, our efforts to deliver stable and reliable electricity would be significantly constrained.

“Your role is becoming even more indispensable, given the rising cases of vandalism on critical power assets and attacks on power sector personnel across the country.”

Adelabu urged the continued collaboration of the Nigerian armed forces in safeguarding the sector’s infrastructure and workforce.

The minister said that to deepen the collaboration, it was essential that thw partnership was rooted in mutual respect and understanding.

According to him, recent developments, such as the regrettable incident involving military personnel and staff of Ikeja Electric, were unfortunate and counterproductive.

“Such actions undermine the progress we all seek to achieve and should be avoided, “he added.

Adelabu said the power sector and the military were not on opposing sides; saying, “we are allies in the pursuit of national development.

“Our shared objective is a Nigeria where sustainable electricity supply supports growth, security, and prosperity for all.

“As we inaugurate these power plants today, let it stand not only as a symbol of clean energy advancement but also as a sign of further cooperation between the Nigerian Power Sector and the Nigeria military, ” he said.

Also, Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State, said the inauguration of the projects marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s transition to renewable energy.

Rpresented by Dr James Kanyip, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sani commended the Federal Ministry of Power and its partners for the gesture.

He said the state had established the Kaduna Power Supply Company (KAPSCO) to promote safe and sustainable energy sources.

Sabi said, “Kaduna State had successfully deployed solar power in health facilities, installing 2.3MW of distributed solar energy across 47 Primary Health Centres.”

According to him, the adoption of solar energy can help bridge the energy deficit and empower communities.

Sani added, “The success of this initiative relies on continued collaboration between federal, state, and private sector partners.

“The inauguration of the power plant is a bold step towards diversifying Nigeria’s energy mix and embracing cleaner, greener, and more reliable sources of power.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the Commandant of NDA , Maj.-Gen. Abdul Ibrahim , expressed satisfaction with the initiative in the power sector, and assured synergy with the ministry.

The Managing Director/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, highlighted the significance of the solar power project at the academy

He said the project provideda 24-hour reliable electricity supply to enhance academic excellence and facilitate research.

Aliyu said the solar hybrid project diversified energy sources and expanded accessto clean and reliable electricity.

“The project is not just about inaugurating a power plant, but about creating social impact and supporting critical sectors like education and security,” he maintained.