Cross River State Governor Sen. Bassey Edet Otu, has met with the Federal Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to provide mini-grid power supply to rural communities in the state.
He said his administration is ready to provide mini-grid power supply to rural communities.
Also the move is aimed at boosting the micro-economies of the state and improving productivity levels.
Chief Press Secretary Nsa Gill made this known in a WhatsApp post on Monday May 6, 2024.
He said the governor has expressed willingness to meet the 30 percent counterpart funding to attract REA’s interventions.
During the courtesy meeting with REA in Calabar, the Governor emphasized the importance of power supply in the rural areas.
Moreover, he said it will allow communities to achieve economic energy and food security for the people of Cross River.
In addition, Governor Otu commended the REA for the 7-megawatt power project to provide steady power supply for the University of Calabar and the University Teaching Hospital, UCTH.
He also praised the REA team’s technical capacity and President Bola Tinubu’s administration for putting round pegs in round holes.
He further disclosed that Cross River energy law would soon be in place.
Also, he assured that the state with an energy capacity of nearly 600 megawatts would be an exporter of energy to other states.
Meanwhile, the MD of the REA, Mallam Abba Aliu, highlighted the Agency’s responsibilities.
He said that the agency promotes and coordinates electrification programmes and administers the Rural Electrification Fund.
According to him, this is to provide rural electrification through public and private sector participation in the country.
He went on to reveal that REA has secured $750 million in funding.
Therefore, making it the world’s largest public sector off-grid funded project.
Aliu explained for projects located in a partner state; the state must provide 30% counterpart funding for the agency to provide 70%.
Additionally, the state will provide land, for the citing the project in the state.
He also told the governor of their solar mini-grids to enhance agriculture.
Nevertheless, the MD said that REA has marked Cross River as a flashpoint for various interventions.