FG pledges support as Gov. Lawal unveils Zamfara Power Policy
FG pledges support as Gov. Lawal unveils Zamfara Power Policy
By Sadiq Sadiq, Gusau
The Federal Government has pledged to support Zamfara in implementing its new Power Policy to improve electricity supply across the state.
The Minister of Power, Mr Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, made the pledge at the unveiling of the Zamfara State Electricity Policy Document in Gusau, on Wednesday.
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 Minister assured Lawal that the Federal Ministry of Power would collaborate with NERC to strengthen institutional capacity and provide the necessary technical support for the implementation of the State policy.
He said the solar power projects unveiled by the Zamfara Government reflected the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda of translating reforms and investments into better public services and more reliable electricity for homes and businesses.
He congratulated the state government on its development and achievements within the 30 years of its creation as a subnational entity.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mohammed Danjuma reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting Zamfara through fiscal incentives and strategic partnerships aimed at promoting economic growth and sustainable development.
Represented by a Director in his office, Alhaji Kamal Dalhatu, Danjuma congratulated Gov. Lawal and the people of Zamfara on the milestone, describing the 30th anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on the state’s achievements and renew commitment to sustainable development.
Danjuma commended Lawal for marking the anniversary with policies and projects designed to improve the living conditions of residents rather than focusing solely on celebrations.
He described the launch of the state electricity policy as a timely initiative that aligns with the Electricity Act 2023, which empowers state governments to develop and regulate their electricity markets and attract investments into the sector.
Danjuma noted that Zamfara’s abundant Solar energy resources offered significant opportunities to expand electricity access to underserved communities, support small and medium-scale enterprises, improve healthcare and education services and accelerate industrial development.
The permanent secretary also highlighted the Federal Government’s fiscal policy measures designed to support state governments in addressing the economic effects of fuel subsidy removal and accelerating the transition to cleaner energy.
He disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Finance had approved import duty and Value Added Tax exemptions for the importation of fully electric vehicles to support the development of cleaner and more affordable transportation systems.
Danjuma said that the initiative would reduce transportation costs, create employment opportunities for young people and develop new skills in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, maintenance, operations and fleet management.
He said that the policy was part of the Federal Government’s broader commitment to promoting green jobs, environmental sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.
Danjuma assured investors and development partners of the Federal Government’s readiness to support initiatives that would encourage private-sector investment, unlock economic opportunities and improve citizens’ welfare.
He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to working with Zamfara and other states through innovative fiscal measures capable of driving economic growth and sustainable development.
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.
The Power Minister after unveiling the Electricity Policy, commissioned 1.5MW Solar Energy powering the Government House, 1MW solar grid at the Ahmad Bakura Specialist Hospital, Electric buses, taxis among others.END
