FG begin 13.92MW hybrid solar mini-grid project in Yobe

The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Mr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, says Yobe is set to receive about 14 megawatts of clean electricity through five interconnected hybrid solar mini-grids as part of efforts to expand access to reliable power across the state.

Aliyu disclosed this on Wednesday in Damaturu at the groundbreaking ceremony for the 13.92MW interconnected hybrid solar mini-grid project.

He said the project was in fulfilment of a commitment made by the agency in June 2025 to make Yobe the renewable energy construction hub of Nigeria.

According to him, the project will inject close to 14MW of clean, reliable and affordable electricity into the Yobe electricity distribution network.

He said the intervention formed part of the Federal Government’s $750 million programme approved by President Bola Tinubu to provide electricity to 17.5 million Nigerians through the deployment of 1,350 mini-grids nationwide.

“Yobe is one of the major beneficiaries of this intervention.

“Beyond the five interconnected mini-grids, the project includes distribution lines, more than 40 transformers, electricity poles and metering of households within the benefiting communities,” he said.

The REA boss added that the agency had also commenced 14 additional electrification projects in communities including Dapchi, Gogon Kuka, Malori, Tulmi, Zangaya, Falimaram, Jawur and Katama.

Aliyu attributed the progress to the support of Gov. Mai Mala Buni, whom he commended for creating an enabling environment for renewable energy investments.

He particularly praised the governor for the prompt provision of land for the projects through the Yobe Geographic Information System (YOGIS), saying the gesture accelerated implementation.

Aliyu also acknowledged the contributions of the Commissioner for Energy and Transport, Mr. Mohammed Gajera, officials of the Yobe Electricity Regulatory Commission, YOGIS and other state government functionaries toward the success of the project.

He expressed optimism that the projects would be completed and inaugurated within six months.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Alhaji Mamuda Mamman Gurara, who represented the Minister of Power, described the groundbreaking as another demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that all Nigerians had access to reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity.

Gurara said electricity remained the foundation for economic growth, industrialisation, improved healthcare, quality education, enhanced security and poverty reduction.

He said the ministry was implementing policies and programmes to expand electricity access while accelerating Nigeria’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.

According to him, the Federal Government has strengthened reforms in the electricity sector, supported implementation of the Electricity Act, promoted renewable energy deployment and expanded off-grid solutions through solar mini-grids and hybrid systems.

He said the Damaturu project would provide reliable electricity to households, businesses and public institutions, reduce dependence on expensive fossil fuel-powered generators and lower energy costs.

He added that the project would also create jobs, stimulate small and medium-scale enterprises, improve healthcare services, enhance agricultural productivity and boost socio-economic development.

The permanent secretary urged the REA and contractors to ensure the project was completed and commissioned before December 2027.

In his remarks, Gov. Buni said his administration had electrified more than 450 rural communities, restored electricity to areas affected by insurgency and connected Gulani and Yunusari Local Government Areas to the national grid after decades without public power supply.

He said the state had also installed more than 17,000 solar-powered streetlights, developed solar hybrid systems for hospitals and public institutions and upgraded electricity infrastructure across the state.

The governor said the new 13.92MW interconnected hybrid solar mini-grid project, described as one of the largest of its kind in Northern Nigeria, would provide reliable electricity to thousands of households, schools, hospitals, farms and businesses in Damaturu, Buni Yadi, Gashua and other benefiting communities.

Buni reaffirmed the state’s commitment to implementing the Electricity Act 2023, noting that Yobe had upgraded its electricity commission to strengthen regulation and attract private investment into the power sector.

He announced that the state government had acquired and secured all project sites, paid compensation to affected landowners and presented Certificates of Occupancy for the project locations to facilitate smooth implementation.

The governor urged benefiting communities to protect the facilities to ensure their sustainability.