By Aderogba George
The Association of Rural Electrification Contractors of Nigeria (ARECON), has reaffirmed its dedication to improving electricity access in rural communities through collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
The National Chairman of ARECON, Mr Raphael Adidi said this at the 2024 Annual General Meeting of the association on Thursday in Abuja.
The meeting, themed “Addressing Re-occurring National Grid Collapse: Roles of Rural Electrification Contractors and Solutions for Energy Efficiency”, was organised to address critical issues in Nigeria’s energy sector.
According to Adidi, ARECON is committed to leveraging its expertise and resources to deliver effective services for the benefit of rural communities.
“ARECON is now fully prepared to provide essential advisory support to the REA on strategies for delivering electricity to rural communities.
“We are dedicated to collaborating with the REA to promote rural electrification and expand energy access across Nigeria,” he stated.
Adidi also commended the efforts of ARECON members in electrifying countless rural communities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, noting that their work has improved livelihoods and supported economic growth.
The association’s National Vice Chairman, Mr Charles Ameachi, called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to prevent recurring national grid failures.
“There is an urgent need to prioritise the safety and reliability of Nigeria’s electrification system.
“If ARECON is given the opportunity, we can ensure safer and more efficient energy access,” Ameachi said.
He urged government leaders to show greater commitment to the development of the power sector, emphasising the importance of involving skilled professionals in decision-making processes.
“Power budget decisions should be informed by experts. Engineers possess the necessary expertise to deliver sustainable solutions,” he added.
ARECON’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Rotimi Raheem raised concerns about the adverse effects of frequent grid collapses on Nigeria’s economy.
“The frequent collapse of the national grid has significantly weakened the country’s economy.
“ARECON is committed to implementing government policies that address these challenges,” Raheem said.
He advocated for the decentralisation of Nigeria’s national power grid, explaining that this approach would reduce the risk of nationwide grid failures.
“A decentralised power transmission system, divided into regional grids, would help mitigate the impact of grid collapses.
“Additionally, we should adopt renewable energy solutions, such as solar power, in homes and offices to reduce dependency on the national grid,” he said.
Raheem also said that decentralised power generation could help curb rural-to-urban migration by creating better opportunities in rural areas.
Mr Osita Nwabinelli, a member of ARECON’s Board of Trustees, highlighted the challenges contractors face, particularly the demand for remittance of up to 40 per cent of contract sums.
“This practice undermines the ability of contractors to deliver quality projects. However, we are taking steps to address these issues,” Nwabinelli explained.
He also advised ARECON members to refrain from using forged documents when bidding for electrification contracts or other jobs.
NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA