Access Bank Partners ASOLAR to Power Up Nigerian SMEs, Rural Communities

Nume Ekeghe

Access Bank Plc, has partnered with Asolar to launch a green energy solution to tackle power supply challenges faced by small and medium enterprises and rural communities across the country.

The products, which included solar-powered TV sets, Air Conditioners, and PoS machines, among many others, were launched in Abuja recently.

In a statement, the Access Bank Deputy Managing Director, Victor Etuokwu, noted the inconsistent power supply has become a major obstacle to businesses and livelihoods in the country and

Represented by the bank’s Director of Regional Services, Neka Adogu, Mr Etuokwu said the initiative was aimed at promoting financial inclusion in rural areas.

He said: “This inconsistent power supply poses a substantial challenge for small and medium enterprises [SMEs] as well as initiatives aimed at promoting financial inclusion in rural areas, which is considered a yardstick for economic growth in Nigeria.

“Currently, in Nigeria, owners of SMEs and people living in rural communities with no or little power supply, spend huge sums in procuring generating sets, purchasing fuel, and the maintenance of generators to operate their business successfully.”

In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Asolar, Hakeem Shagaya, said the company was committed to ensuring every citizen has access to reliable and sustainable energy across the country.

While appreciating the management of the bank for the collaboration, Mr Shagaya noted that the initiative was in line with the sustainable development goals on clean and renewable energy.

Speaking, Group Head, Financial Inclusion, Access Bank Plc, Chizoba Iheme disclosed that the bank has over 300,000 Access agents across the country to facilitate the distribution across Nigeria.