The House of Representatives has proposed a mandate that all Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) obtain at least half of their electricity from renewable sources, citing benefits for energy security, reduced spending and faster progress toward a greener power system.
The initiative was highlighted during an investigative hearing organised by the House Committee on Renewable Energy, held at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, represented by Deputy House Leader Hon. Halims Abdullahi, described the move as a core part of the 10th Assembly’s agenda to position clean energy as a foundation for economic advancement.
The Speaker pointed out that chronic power outages and widespread dependence on diesel generators in government offices continue to drain public finances and harm the environment. He referenced the Electricity Act 2023, which establishes a comprehensive framework for power generation and explicitly promotes greater incorporation of renewables into the national energy portfolio.
The establishment of a dedicated Renewable Energy Committee, a historic first in Nigeria’s legislature, signals the House’s determination to rigorously track compliance with the Act’s renewable provisions and provide robust oversight of relevant agencies.
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Committee Chairman Hon. Afam Victor Ogene stressed that the 50 per cent target extends beyond ecological goals, serving as a key fiscal strategy to slash heavy expenditure on diesel and petrol across MDAs. Transitioning government facilities to renewables, he said, would curb running costs, lower greenhouse gas emissions and spur employment in solar, wind and related green sectors.
He also highlighted the potential to attract more investment in off-grid solutions, including solar mini-grids and rooftop installations tailored to public buildings.
Both leaders underscored that effective rollout hinges on transparency, compliance with procurement rules and rigorous monitoring.
The hearing is additionally reviewing the placement of renewable projects within MDAs, foreign funding and investments in the sector since 2015, and existing levels of renewable adoption in federal institutions.
By setting an example, the committee argued, government bodies can catalyse wider uptake of clean technologies nationwide, ease strain on the national grid and support Nigeria’s enduring economic resilience.
