A group of individuals that have interest in the development of power sector through off-grid system recently inaugurated a platform known as Africa Mini-Grid Developers Association Nigeria, AMDA.
The group stated that AMDA Nigeria is expected to garner support, influence policies, lobby government on key issues in the sector towards accelerating the development of mini-grids in the country.
Its statement reads: “As Nigeria prepares to witness a new era of large-scale rural electrification to satisfy the demand of over 90 million people who currently lack access to electricity, a platform comprising of mini-grid developers has been launched
According to AMDA President, Alexander Obiechina, the group believed it was time for the country to develop its energy sector by tapping on the benefits from other sources of energy such as mini-grids.
“We therefore call on all stakeholders to join us in building an industry that has the capacity to eradicate energy poverty not only in Nigeria, but throughout the African continent,” he said.
AMDA said that the inauguration was attended by international agencies, public sector stakeholders such as the Rural Electrification Agency, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency, as well as private sector stakeholders including GIZ, Huawei, Sterling Bank Plc, Jinko Solar, METKA and other partners.
It further added that before the inauguration, a two-day capacity building workshop for AMDA Nigeria members and key original equipment manufacturers was held.
AMDA said the workshop was a preparatory move as Nigeria awaits an influx of funding such as the $350m World Bank Nigerian Electrification Project among others, to give power to off-grid rural communities currently lacking electricity.
