Lagos State Government has forged a strategic partnership with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to implement solar power systems across tertiary institutions within the state.
Lagos State says that the partnership aims at enhancing sustainability of electricity, to foster economic development through renewable energy sources.
At an ongoing visit to Beijing, China, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq, Nigerian Governors Forum Chairman, and Mr Wale Edun, Minister of Finance, participated in the 2024 Summit of the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation.
Governor: Lagos State pact with CCECC to drop electricity costs
During the visit, President Tinubu witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Lagos State and CCECC to deploy solar power systems across various tertiary institutions.
The institutions to benefit from the partnership includes the Lagos State University and its affiliated campuses, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Lagos State University of Education, and Lagos State College of Medicine, according to a statement by the state government.
The solar systems, projected to generate a sustainable and affordable electricity, will also provide a cleaner energy that will contribute to reducing electricity costs for these institutions.
According to Governor Sanwo-Olu, “these solar systems, expected to generate about 50 MW, will provide cleaner and more affordable electricity. This project demonstrates our commitment to sustainable energy as a key part of our economic development.”
In a bid to enhance transportation infrastructure and alleviate traffic congestion in Lagos State, an additional MoU was signed to construct the Lekki-Epe Link Bridge in the Lekki-Epe axis. This project, the Governor says, is in line with the state’s strategic transport masterplan that “aim to reduce traffic congestion and create a seamless commuting experience, all while supporting economic growth.”
Following thorough discussions, the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract was awarded to CCECC, with feasibility and design studies already completed for the project.
CCECC was established in 1979 under the approval of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, it was formerly known as the Foreign Aid Bureau of the Ministry of Railways, has an history of international engagement. In 2003, it was strategically regrouped under the approval of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission and incorporated into China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), according to the company’s information.
CCECC is recognised as one of the pioneering Chinese companies to enter the international market. Over the years, it has evolved into a large-scale state-owned enterprise with Chinese National Super Grade Qualification for railway project engineering. It has consistently been listed among the world’s top 225 international contractors.
With a global presence, CCECC has established resident offices or project management headquarters in 89 countries and regions by the end of 2016. Its operations span across Asia, Europe, Africa, America, and Oceania. The company’s diverse portfolio includes project contracting, civil engineering design & consultancy, industrial park construction, development and operation, real estate development and property management, investment, railway operation, industrial mining, import & export, hotel management, and travel services.