The Nigerian federal government, through the Ministry of Power and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), commissioned a 2.5MW solar hybrid power plant at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna.
The project, under the Energising Education Programme Phase II, aims to deliver uninterrupted electricity to over 12,000 beneficiaries, including cadets, staff, and faculty across academic blocks, barracks, and staff quarters.
Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu, at the event, emphasized the need for $10 billion in yearly energy investments to fix Nigeria’s long-standing power issues.
He also advocated for closing Nigeria’s 50% electricity metering gap via a presidential initiative targeting 18 million meter installations in five years.
REA Managing Director Abba Abubakar noted that the solar-diesel hybrid system will cut diesel use and emissions while ensuring 24/7 power supply with integrated storage and backup.
The project also created 403 construction jobs, trained 20 female STEM cadets in solar installation, and improved campus security with 288 solar street lights and seven new transformers.
Covering 9 kilometers, the enhanced lighting infrastructure is expected to improve night-time mobility and safety across the academy.
NDA Commandant Major General Abdul Ibrahim praised the project, calling it a strategic upgrade to the academy’s operational and learning environment.
He pledged the NDA’s continued support for government-led energy initiatives and further collaboration with the Ministry of Power.
The project is part of broader efforts to modernize infrastructure in federal institutions through clean, sustainable energy solutions.