The Federal Government is set to begin charging 25 federal universities and teaching hospitals for electricity generated from renewable energy projects deployed across the country.

Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during the unveiling of the Renewable Asset Management Company (RAMCO). He said the decision was aimed at ensuring the sustainability and proper maintenance of government-funded renewable energy facilities, noting that public assets often deteriorate due to inadequate maintenance.

Tinubu May Come 3rd Or 4th In 2027 Election – Gololo

Tegbe said some beneficiary institutions had enjoyed free electricity for about two years, but would now be required to pay tariffs for the power they consume. “We are very good at building public assets but poor at sustaining them. RAMCO offers a different model to renewable energy,” he said.

The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, said the Federal Government had deployed 82 megawatts of solar hybrid power to 22 federal universities and three teaching hospitals since 2017 under the Energising Education Programme.

Aliyu said beneficiary institutions must contribute to the sustainability of the facilities by paying for the electricity supplied to them. He explained that while government financed the construction and deployment of the projects, the new arrangement would ensure that the assets are properly maintained and remain operational.

Among the beneficiaries are Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; and Federal University, Wukari, alongside three teaching hospitals. The newly established RAMCO is expected to manage and maintain the government’s renewable energy assets.