FG Backs Zamfara’s Electricity Drive, 36 Solar Mini Grids to Connect 147,000 Homes, Businesses

By Adebola Muili

The Federal Government has pledged support for Zamfara State’s electricity expansion programme, with plans to connect about 147,000 homes and businesses through 36 solar mini grids across nine local government areas.

The initiative was unveiled by the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, during a visit to Gusau, where he launched the Zamfara State Electricity Policy, commissioned two solar power plants and performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the mini-grid projects alongside Governor Dauda Lawal and the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu.

The projects, according to a statement on the minister’s activities, are expected to strengthen electricity supply across the state, particularly in communities with limited access to the national grid.

The two commissioned facilities include a 1MW solar mini grid with a 2.4MW battery energy storage system at the Ahmed Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital and a 1.5MW solar plant with a 3.6MW battery storage system for the Government House and its auxiliary facilities.

The hospital project is expected to improve electricity supply for medical services, including the preservation of essential medicines, while the Government House installation is designed to eliminate dependence on diesel-powered electricity generation.

Of the 36 mini-grid projects, two interconnected facilities in Gusau and Kaura Namoda will improve electricity supply through the existing distribution network, while the remaining 34 will extend power access to communities outside the reach of the national grid.

Speaking at the event, Tegbe said the projects demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to translating electricity reforms and investments into improved services for Nigerians.

He said the initiatives reflected the Renewed Hope Agenda by bringing more dependable electricity to homes and businesses while supporting cleaner transportation and better public services.

The minister attributed the growing opportunities for state participation and private investment in the electricity sector to President Bola Tinubu’s assent to the Electricity Act 2023.

He pledged the Ministry of Power’s support for Zamfara State, saying the ministry would work to ensure the new electricity policy translated into effective institutions and improved service delivery.

Tegbe also urged host communities to take ownership of the electricity infrastructure by protecting the facilities and promptly reporting cases of vandalism and theft.

He commended Governor Lawal for driving and sponsoring the two commissioned solar projects, as well as other renewable energy initiatives in the state.

These include solar power installations for 15 general hospitals, 800 schools and 70 primary healthcare facilities.

The event also featured the unveiling of Zamtaxi, a cleaner transportation initiative expected to create opportunities for drivers, technicians and young entrepreneurs.

The minister congratulated Zamfara State on its 30th anniversary, noting that improved electricity supply would strengthen essential services and support economic activities across communities.

The 36 mini-grid projects form part of the Federal Government’s broader effort to expand electricity access through renewable energy and other sources, alongside efforts to strengthen the national grid.