Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya on Thursday flagged off the construction of a 1MW Solar Mini-Grid Project in Talasse, Balanga Local Government Area, describing it as a “historic milestone” in the state’s quest for universal access to clean, reliable, and affordable electricity.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Governor Yahaya said the solar project represents a decisive step in bridging the energy gap in rural areas and empowering local economies.
Periscope Nigeria reports that the solar project is a Public-Private Partnership between Gombe, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the World Bank.
“It is with a great sense of responsibility that I address you on this truly historic occasion — the flag-off of the construction of a 1MW Solar Mini-Grid Project,” he said. “This project marks a turning point in our journey towards universal energy access for every community in Gombe State.”
According to the governor, the project will transform lives by providing a steady and sustainable source of power to communities that have long been left unconnected to the national grid.
“Today, we are formally kickstarting a project that will connect communities that have, for far too long, remained unconnected to the national grid,” Yahaya stated. “This project will not only provide steady, reliable, and clean power supply to our communities; it will also power the dreams of our people by enhancing livelihoods, unlocking business opportunities, and creating thousands of jobs for our teeming youth.”
The governor attributed the success of the initiative to far-reaching reforms and visionary leadership at both national and state levels. He specifically commended the Electricity Act 2023, which empowers subnational governments to generate, transmit, and distribute power within their jurisdictions.
“The passing of the Electricity Act 2023 opened the doors for states like ours to take charge of their energy destiny,” he said. “Gombe State is not left behind. With the passage of the Gombe State Electricity Law, we are establishing a robust regulatory framework to govern energy generation, transmission, and distribution within our state.”
He noted that Gombe is working to attract strategic investments in the energy sector. “Our goal is to create the most enabling environment to attract investments capable of harnessing our vast energy potentials,” Yahaya explained.
“As a member of the National Economic Council’s Ad-hoc Committee on the National Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan (NESIP), I am at the forefront of championing sustainable, community-centred energy solutions across Nigeria,” he added. “This project in Talasse is a testament that we are not just talking; we are walking our talk.”
Governor Yahaya described the initiative as a model of a successful Public-Private Partnership (PPP), praising the collaboration between the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the World Bank, and the state’s technical partners, MIDS Dynamic.
“This project is a shining example of a successful Public-Private Partnership,” he said. “I extend the profound gratitude of the Government and people of Gombe State to our partners — the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the World Bank, and all who made this day possible.”
He further charged the contractors to adhere strictly to project timelines and standards. “To our technical partners, MIDS Dynamic, I urge you to adhere strictly to the project guidelines, timelines, and quality standards. We have no doubt in your ability to deliver a world-class project on schedule,” Yahaya said.
The governor assured residents that the Talasse mini-grid was just the beginning, as similar solar projects would be rolled out across other unserved and underserved areas of the state.
“To the good people of Balanga LGA and Gombe State in general, this is only the first phase,” Yahaya stated. “Subsequent phases of this initiative are already being planned to extend the same facility and opportunity to other communities. I call on our community leaders and the general public to provide unconditional support to the project team and exercise strong vigilance. This is your project. Therefore, you must protect it with all your energy.”
He emphasised that the investment goes beyond electricity supply, describing it as an investment in economic growth and human development.
“As I always emphasize, the future of Nigeria is regional, and every state must provide the ingredients for its own development,” he said. “With this investment, we are not just investing in electricity; we are investing in the economy of our state, the welfare of our communities, and the future of generations yet unborn.”
Governor Yahaya reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to connecting every community in Gombe State to sustainable power. “We will not rest until every community in Gombe State is connected to reliable electricity supply,” he pledged.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and reforms in the electricity sector, describing the Talasse solar mini-grid as “a direct product of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
“I would like to extend our profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his visionary leadership and the landmark reforms in the electricity sector,” the governor said. “The Electricity Act 2023 has provided the blueprint that empowers states like ours to pursue innovative, off-grid solutions that directly impact our people. This project in Talasse is a testament to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda at the grassroots level.”
