Minister of Power, Chief Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, Zamfara State Governor, Dr Dauda Lawal, and Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Dr Abba Aliyu, have unveiled a new electricity development initiative in Gusau, Zamfara State, featuring the launch of the state’s electricity policy, commissioning of solar power facilities and the groundbreaking of new mini-grid projects aimed at expanding access to electricity across underserved communities.
The Federal Government’s intervention, announced by the Ministry of Power, includes the development of 36 solar mini-grids across nine local government areas, with an estimated 147,000 homes and businesses expected to benefit when the projects are completed.
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The event also featured the commissioning of two solar power facilities with a combined capacity of 2.5 megawatts, alongside the unveiling of Zamtaxi, a clean transport initiative designed to create economic opportunities through cleaner mobility.
Speaking at the event, Tegbe described the projects as practical expressions of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, highlighting the importance of translating electricity sector reforms and investments into improved public services.
He said the initiatives were aimed at “turning reform and investment into better public services, cleaner transport and more dependable electricity for homes and businesses.”
One of the commissioned facilities is a 1MW solar mini-grid supported by a 2.4MW battery energy storage system at the Ahmed Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital.
The installation is expected to improve electricity reliability at the specialist hospital, supporting medical operations and helping preserve temperature-sensitive medicines and other essential healthcare supplies.
The second facility, according to the Ministry’s announcement, is a 1.5MW solar installation with a 3.6MW battery energy storage system serving the Government House and its auxiliary facilities.
The project is expected to reduce the government’s reliance on diesel-powered generators, while providing a more sustainable electricity supply for its administrative operations.
Under the mini-grid programme, the interconnected projects in Gusau and Kaura Namoda are expected to strengthen electricity supply through existing distribution networks.
The remaining 34 projects are designed to extend electricity access to communities beyond the reach of the present grid infrastructure.
The initiative also reflects the growing role of decentralised renewable energy in addressing electricity supply challenges, particularly in communities where extending conventional grid infrastructure may be difficult or costly.
Tegbe credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the Electricity Act 2023, which established a framework allowing state governments to play a greater role in electricity market development and attract investment into the sector.
He pledged the Ministry of Power’s continued support to Zamfara State, particularly in building the institutions required to translate the newly launched policy into practical improvements.
The Minister also urged beneficiary communities to take responsibility for protecting the electricity infrastructure, warning against vandalism and theft that could undermine the long-term sustainability of the projects.
He congratulated Zamfara State on its 30th anniversary and commended Governor Lawal for supporting renewable energy development, including the two commissioned solar facilities.
Beyond the newly commissioned installations, the state government has also invested in solar power projects covering 15 general hospitals, 800 schools and 70 primary healthcare facilities, according to the Ministry’s statement.
Governor Lawal, in a separate account of the initiative, described the electricity policy as an important step towards establishing a structured, investment-friendly and sustainable electricity market in Zamfara.
He said reliable electricity remained essential to agricultural transformation, industrial development, healthcare delivery, education and employment generation.
The Governor added that the state’s partnership with the REA on the solarisation of public institutions was intended to translate policy commitments into infrastructure that would improve essential services and support economic activities.
REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu also highlighted the importance of combining infrastructure investment with clear regulatory frameworks, institutional reforms and private-sector participation to ensure that electricity projects remain sustainable.
The event further featured the unveiling of Zamtaxi, an initiative expected to create opportunities for drivers, technicians and young entrepreneurs while encouraging cleaner transportation.
The development comes against the backdrop of the Electricity Act 2023, which expanded the role of state governments in managing electricity markets within their jurisdictions.
Under the framework, states can establish regulatory authorities to oversee intrastate electricity generation, distribution and supply, creating opportunities for subnational governments to develop electricity markets suited to their needs.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has explained that the reform also provides room for greater private investment and the development of decentralised electricity solutions, particularly in underserved areas.
For Zamfara, the latest initiatives represent an attempt to connect electricity infrastructure with broader development priorities, including healthcare, education, agriculture and business growth.
However, the projects’ long-term impact will depend on timely completion, effective maintenance, affordable electricity tariffs and the ability of the relevant institutions to sustain reliable supply after commissioning.
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With the state electricity policy now launched and new solar infrastructure underway, attention will turn to implementation and the extent to which the projects translate into improved electricity access for residents and businesses across Zamfara.
