TheCable

The National Economic Council (NEC) has directed states to develop hydropower, on or off-grid, and solar electricity infrastructure for communities and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises  (MSMEs).

The council gave the directive on Thursday at its 136th meeting presided over by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, in  Abuja.

Sharing the resolution of NEC on X, Shettima said the council asked governments at all levels to promote the migration of heavy-duty industries/transport systems from fossil fuel to gas infrastructure.

“Given the new Electricity Act that empowers states and individuals to participate in all components of the energy sector, state governments should carry out energy audit to determine Energy needs and explore areas for collaboration with the private sector based on their comparative advantage,” NEC said.

“States should develop small hydropower plants, on or off-grid, and solar, for communities and MSMEs.”

NEC also advised the three tiers of government to institute initiatives for the promotion of attitudinal change regarding energy use, wastage, and theft.

The government, the council said, should promote research and development, local content, new energy (hydrogen, biofuels) prototype investments for energy sufficiency.

NEC resolved that the meeting was successful and approved regular interaction and synergy among commissioners of economic planning across the federation.