FG Backs Zamfara’s Power Push as Minister Launches State Electricity Policy, Commissions
Solar Plants, Breaks Ground for 36 Mini Grids
The Honourable Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has launched the Zamfara State
Electricity Policy, commissioned two (2) solar plants of 2.5MW capacity lays the foundation
for the connection of 36 solar mini grids across nine local government areas, in projects
expected to connect close to 147,000 homes and businesses on completion.
The Minister, who spoke in Gusau alongside Governor Dauda Lawal, the MD of the Rural
Electrification Agency – Abba Aliyu, Development Partners, and Traditional and Community
Leaders, noted the initiatives put the Renewed Hope Agenda into practice by “turning reform
and investment into better public services, cleaner transport and more dependable electricity
for homes and businesses.”
The commissioned plants are a 1MW mini grid / 2.4MW BESS at the Ahmed Sani Yariman
Bakura Specialist Hospital, which will help doctors operate with greater confidence and
preserve essential medicines, and a 1.5MW / 3.6MW BESS for the Government House and
its auxiliary facilities which will eliminate dependence on diesel based power generation. Of
the mini grids, the interconnected projects in Gusau and Kaura Namoda will improve supply
on the existing distribution network, while the other 34 will serve communities beyond the
grid’s present reach. Zamtaxi, also unveiled, opens opportunities for drivers, technicians and
young entrepreneurs in cleaner transport.
Tegbe credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose assent to the Electricity Act
2023 created greater room for states and investors to participate in the sector, and pledged
the Ministry’s support “to translate this policy into effective institutions and improved service.”
He urged host communities to protect the assets as their own and to report vandalism and
theft promptly, and congratulated Zamfara on 30 years of statehood. He also commended
the Executive Governor for driving and sponsoring the two (2) commissioned minigrid
projects amongst other solar powered projects in the state, including solar power for 15
general hospitals 800 schools and 70 Primary Health Care facilities.
The Zamfara 36 minigrid projects form part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
drive to bring electricity to all Nigerians. Alongside strengthening the national grid, the
Federal Government is expanding solar power and other viable sources, bringing supply
closer to demand and reaching communities previously without access. For Zamfara, that
means a more resilient, more diverse electricity system, and dependable power for the
homes, hospitals, farms and markets that depend on it.
