FG pledges support as Zamfara unveils Power Policy, 36 solar mini-grids

FG pledges support as Zamfara unveils Power Policy, 36 solar mini-grids

By SADIQ SADIQ

The Federal Government has pedged to support Zamfara State’s power effort as the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, unveiled the Zamfara Electricity Policy.

The Minister gave the assurance while commissioning two solar plants even as he laid the foundation for 36 solar mini-grids across nine local government areas of the state on Wednesday in Gusau, Zamfara.

The projects, when completed would connect about 147,000 homes and businesses across the state.

Tegbe spoke said the initiatives put the Renewed Hope Agenda into practice by “turning reform and investment into better public services, cleaner transport and more dependable electricity for homes and businesses.”

The commissioned plants are a 1MW mini-grid /2.4MW BESS at the Ahmed Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, which will help doctors operate with greater confidence and preserve essential medicines, and a 1.5MW / 3.6MW BESS for the Government House and its auxiliary facilities, which will eliminate dependence on diesel-based power generation.

The interconnected projects in Gusau and Kaura Namoda will improve supply on the existing distribution network, while the other 34 will serve communities beyond the grid’s present reach.

Tegbe also unveiled Zamtaxi, an initiative he said opens opportunities for drivers, technicians and young entrepreneurs in cleaner transport system.

He urged host communities to protect the assets as their own and to report vandalism and theft promptly, and congratulated Zamfara on 30 years of statehood.

The Minister commended Governor Lawal for driving and sponsoring the two mini-grid projects, among other solar-powered projects in the state, including solar power for 15 general hospitals, 800 schools and 70 Primary Health Care facilities.

The Zamfara State Power Policy, enacted inline with the Electricity Act 2023 (As amended), seeks autonomy to legislate on electricity generation and distribution within its boundaries to improve supply, attract investment and promote economic development.

Tegbe said the Federal Ministry of Power would work closely with Zamfara Government, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and other relevant stakeholders to translate the policy into effective institutions and improve electricity services.

He explained that the Electricity Act 2023, signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had opened new opportunities for state governments to participate in electricity generation, transmission and distribution.

According to him, Zamfara is taking advantage of the reforms to develop its electricity sector and attract investments that would stimulate economic activities.

The Minister commended Gov. Dauda Lawal for the state’s infrastructure development and efforts to expand access to electricity, particularly through various renewable energy projects.

Tegbe described the state’s proposed 100-megawatt electricity target by 2035 as achievable, noting that reliable power infrastructure would help attract investments in technology, artificial intelligence and data centres.

The Zamfara 36 mini-grid projects form part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda drive to bring electricity to all Nigerians.

He noted that the Federal Government is expanding solar power and other viable sources, bringing supply closer to demand and reaching communities previously without access.

Speaking at the event, Gov. Lawal said his administration remained committed to providing reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity to stimulate economic growth, create employment and improve the living conditions of residents.

Lawal said electricity remains a critical driver of economic development, social progress and industrial growth.

He noted the importance of reliable power supply for businesses, industries, healthcare, education and other productive activities.

Lawal observed that inadequate and unreliable electricity supply had remained a major challenge to Nigeria’s economic development, forcing businesses to operate at high costs while limiting agricultural production, irrigation and agro-processing.

The Governor said that households and public institutions continued to experience the consequences of poor electricity supply, while dependence on privately operated generators had increased operating costs and environmental pollution.

Lawal said that addressing the challenges required clear policies, appropriate legislation, effective regulation, strategic investments and a sustainable framework for managing the electricity sector.

He said the launch of the state electricity policy was a significant milestone in his administration’s efforts to reform the sector, consolidate existing interventions and establish a sustainable pathway for long-term economic development.

According to him, the Government House was already largely powered by a 1.5MW solar Power, while the Government Printing Press had also benefited from solar power installation.

He said the interventions demonstrated his administration’s commitment to renewable energy as a means of improving electricity reliability, expanding access and reducing dependence on conventional energy sources.

He disclosed that more than 300 schools, 15 general hospitals and 70 primary healthcare facilities in the state were already benefiting from solar-powered electricity.

The Governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for supporting reforms that allowed state governments and private-sector operators to participate more actively in the electricity market.

He stressed that electricity development should not be restricted to major businesses and industries but should also extend to rural communities, small businesses and ordinary households.

Lawal said the state aims to establish a competitive electricity market that would attract investment, promote competition, strengthen service delivery and ensure that consumers receive reliable services.

He assured that his administration would pursue universal access to affordable, clean and sustainable electricity through a diversified energy mix, with particular emphasis on solar and hydroelectric power.

The Governor highlighted the potential of the Bakolori Dam for hydroelectric power generation, inviting the Minister of Power and other relevant stakeholders to visit the facility and assess its potential.

He expressed optimism that harnessing the dam’s hydroelectric potential would not only improve electricity supply but also benefit neighbouring communities and create additional economic opportunities.

Lawal appealed to the State Legislature, relevant government agencies, development partners and private investors to support the implementation of the policy.END