The Lagos State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement with the British Government-funded Africa Clean Energy Technical Assistance Facility (ACE TAF) programme with a view to improving off-grid energy access in the State.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in his address at the signing ceremony, held on Tuesday at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, stated that the programme will support the government’s electricity access plan.
It will also ensure that ACE TAF provides technical assistance in improving the State’s policy and regulatory framework for off-grid solar, while strengthening the capacity of the State solar energy institutions and off-grid infrastructure.
Sanwo-Olu, virtually represented by his Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, stated that energy improvement and access in Lagos State is a key pillar of the present administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S agenda and that everything necessary would be done to improve energy supply in the State.
While maintaining that improving the policy and regulatory environment in Lagos would further boost investment in the energy sector, the Governor expressed his commitment and support for the partnership and the project, while revealing his eagerness to build on the collaboration with the UK Government for more cooperation in the future.
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The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Olalere Odusote, said that the Ministry is working assiduously to facilitate the improvement in energy access in the State as the off-grid solar sector has emerged as an important component to achieving access to energy for all in Lagos.
He disclosed that relevant policies are being put in place to encourage the uptake of off-grid solar energy in the State, reiterating the readiness of the Ministry to partner with the private sector to achieve the desired access.
In his remark, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Ben Llewellyn-Jones, said the UK is proud to support the Lagos State Government’s effort to improve off-grid access, through the Africa Clean Energy Technical Assistance Facility (ACE TAF) programme.
He emphasised that the United Kingdom wants to see the partnership translate to an improved State electrification that will support private sector entry, attract investments and create more jobs in Lagos State.
In his contribution, the ACE TAF Nigeria Country Manager, Mr. Chibuikem Agbaegbu, stated that the partnership would strengthen the collaboration between the State government and ACE TAF towards improving reliable electricity delivery in Lagos State, while attracting increased private sector investment for off-grid solar energy.
