By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) on Friday sought a collaborative partnership with the Taraba State Government to enable the Commission to improve its ecological interventions in communities affected by hydroelectric dam operations in the state.
The Managing Director of the Commission, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, made the call during a management committee courtesy visit to Governor Agbu Kefas in Jalingo.
Alhaji Sadiq disclosed that N-HYPPADEC remains committed to addressing ecological damage caused by hydroelectric dam operations, with the aim of promoting sustainable socio-economic development in power-producing areas of the country.
According to him, the Commission has executed various social and infrastructural interventions in Wukari, Takum, Ibi, Ardo-Kola, Karim-Lamido, Jalingo, Yorro, and Lau Local Government Areas of Taraba State.
“In line with the Commission’s mandate to reverse ecological damage caused by hydroelectric dam operations and to promote sustainable socio-economic development in power-producing areas of member states, N-HYPPADEC has provided social and infrastructural interventions across Wukari, Takum, Ibi, Ardo-Kola, Karim-Lamido, Jalingo, Yorro, and Lau LGAs,” he said.
The Managing Director further disclosed that the Commission has installed solar-powered streetlights across several riverine communities and the Jalingo metropolis, as well as constructed solar-powered boreholes to improve access to clean and reliable water.
“Since 2024, the Commission has taken concrete steps to translate its mandate into visible action across Taraba State. We have completed the supply and installation of thirty-four (34) solar-powered streetlights across different riverine communities and the Jalingo metropolis to improve safety and extend economic activities after dark.
“We have also constructed fifteen (15) solar-powered boreholes to expand access to clean and reliable water. To strengthen agricultural livelihoods, we supplied thirty-two (32) power tiller machines to farming cooperatives across beneficiary communities,” he added.
Alhaji Sadiq further revealed that, in recognition of Taraba’s riverine challenges, the Commission provided operational flying boats to enhance emergency response and mobility in affected areas.
“Recognising Taraba’s riverine challenges, we delivered two operational flying boats along the Lau–Karim-Lamido and Ibi–Wukari axes to enhance emergency response and mobility.
“We are also set to deliver two water buses along the Ibi–Wukari route, as requested by the Aku-Uka of Wukari. Each water bus has the capacity to carry 30 passengers at a time.
“We undertook extensive desilting and evacuation of blocked drainages and culverts covering approximately forty thousand linear metres across Wukari, Takum, Ibi, Ardo-Kola, Karim-Lamido, Jalingo, Yorro, and Lau, with a view to mitigating flooding and reducing environmental risks.
“We also supplied and installed transformers in Jalingo and supported education by paying NECO external examination fees for candidates from power-producing communities,” he stated.
The Managing Director also told Governor Kefas that the inclusion of Taraba, Kaduna, Gombe, and Nasarawa States as new member states of the Commission in June 2023 was a decision by President Bola Tinubu to acknowledge the long-standing environmental and social burdens borne by communities hosting hydroelectric power projects.
“Flooding, erosion, environmental degradation, displacement, and the disruption of traditional livelihoods are real challenges, and they form the basis of the policy concerns of the Commission.
“Taraba, Kaduna, Gombe, and Nasarawa were formally admitted as member states of the Commission in June 2023 by President Bola Tinubu to acknowledge the reality that communities bearing the environmental and social burdens of hydroelectric power generation deserve focused attention, protection, and investment.
“Taraba State occupies a uniquely important place in this mandate. The state was added to the Commission because it hosts the Kashimbila Hydropower Plant and is a core part of the Mambilla Plateau hydropower corridor—an area of immense strategic importance to Nigeria’s energy future, yet characterised by environmentally fragile landscapes and vulnerable communities.
“These projects may appear modest, but in reality, they translate into safer neighbourhoods, protected homes, improved farm output, and renewed confidence that government presence can be felt in practical ways,” he emphasised.
While reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to doing more in Taraba State, Alhaji Sadiq appealed for a stronger partnership with the state government to achieve its targets.
“While we are proud of what has been achieved, we are even more mindful of how much remains to be done. Collaboration with the Taraba State Government is therefore not optional; it is essential.
“We see strong opportunities to work together in mitigating flood and environmental challenges, addressing infrastructural gaps—particularly in education and healthcare—and improving livelihoods, especially for agricultural communities and unemployed youths.
“A particularly important area where we seek your partnership is in identifying locations for Area Offices. These offices serve as frontline structures for rapid response, local engagement, and effective interventions that reflect community needs,” he said.
Responding, Governor Agbu Kefas commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as visionary leadership in admitting Taraba State into the Commission as a member state.
He assured that the Taraba State Government would continue to collaborate with development partners to actualise meaningful development and improve the wellbeing of its citizens.
