Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe
Susan Abayomi
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding electricity access across the country as the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, unveiled the Zamfara State Electricity Policy, commissioned two solar power plants and performed the groundbreaking ceremony for 36 solar mini grids across nine local government areas.
The projects, when completed, are expected to provide electricity access to nearly 147,000 homes and businesses in the state.
Tegbe, who performed the ceremonies in Gusau alongside Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, development partners, traditional rulers and community leaders, said the initiatives reflected the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda through improved public services, cleaner transportation and more reliable electricity supply.
The two commissioned facilities include a 1MW mini grid with a 2.4MW battery energy storage system (BESS) at the Ahmed Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital and a 1.5MW solar plant with a 3.6MW BESS for Government House and its auxiliary facilities.
The hospital project is expected to improve power reliability for medical operations and the preservation of essential medicines, while the Government House installation will reduce dependence on diesel-powered electricity generation.
The 36 mini grid projects will cover nine local government areas, with two interconnected facilities in Gusau and Kaura Namoda designed to strengthen electricity supply on existing distribution networks. The remaining 34 will extend power access to communities beyond the reach of the national grid.
The event also featured the unveiling of Zamtaxi, an initiative expected to create opportunities for drivers, technicians and young entrepreneurs in the cleaner transportation sector.
The Minister attributed the expanded opportunities for electricity development to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assent to the Electricity Act 2023, which allows state governments and private investors to play greater roles in the electricity sector.
He pledged the Ministry of Power’s support in translating Zamfara’s electricity policy into functional institutions and improved service delivery.
Tegbe also urged host communities to take ownership of the electricity infrastructure, protect the facilities and promptly report cases of vandalism and theft. He congratulated Zamfara State on its 30th anniversary.
He commended Governor Lawal for sponsoring the two commissioned mini grid projects and other solar-powered initiatives across the state, including electricity installations for 15 general hospitals, 800 schools and 70 primary healthcare facilities.
The 36 mini grid projects form part of the Federal Government’s broader plan to expand electricity access under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Beyond strengthening the national grid, the government is pursuing solar energy and other alternative power sources to bring electricity closer to underserved communities and improve supply for households, healthcare facilities, farms and businesses.
