Minister inaugurates dual solar power projects at NDA
Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has inaugurated a 2.5MW Captive Solar Hybrid Power Plant and 600kW Solar PV Plant at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna.
The projects were executed by the ministry and the Rural Electrification Agency as part of a deliberate plan to improve electrification across key institutions in Nigeria.
According to him, the intervention is also part of broader mandate to diversify energy sources, expand access to clean and reliable electricity to schools, health facilities and security services.
“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 commended the military for its consistent support in protecting critical power infrastructure across the country.
“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 said, and called for more collaboration to safeguard power infrastructure and workforce.
The minister said that to deepen the collaboration, it was essential that tow partnership rooted in mutual respect and understanding to avoid the regrettable incident involving military personnel and staff of Ikeja Electric.
“Such actions undermine the progress we all seek to achieve and should be avoided,” he added.
“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.”
Also, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State said the the projects represent significant milestone in Nigeria’s transition to renewable energy.
Represented by Dr James Kanyip, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, the governor said that the state has established the Kaduna Power Supply Company to promote safe and sustainable energy sources.
“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.
“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,” Sani said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commandant of NDA, Major General Abdul Ibrahim, expressed satisfaction with the initiative in the power sector, and assured synergy with the ministry.
The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, highlighted the significance of the solar power project at the academy
He said the academy would now enjoy 24-hour reliable electricity supply to enhance academic activities including research.
Aliyu said, “The project is not just about inaugurating a power plant, but about creating social impact and supporting critical sectors like education and security.”
