Yobe State is set to receive nearly 14 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity through five interconnected hybrid solar mini-grids following the commencement of a major renewable energy project by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

The Managing Director of the REA, Mr Abba Aliyu, announced the development on Wednesday in Damaturu during the groundbreaking ceremony for the 13.92MW interconnected hybrid solar mini-grid project.

Aliyu said the project fulfils the agency’s commitment made in June 2025 to position Yobe as Nigeria’s renewable energy construction hub.

According to him, the initiative will inject close to 14MW of clean, reliable and affordable electricity into the Yobe electricity distribution network.

He explained that the project forms part of the 750 million dollars Federal Government programme approved by President Bola Tinubu to provide electricity to 17.5 million Nigerians through the deployment of 1,350 mini-grids nationwide.

“Yobe is one of the major beneficiaries of this intervention.

“Beyond the five interconnected mini-grids, the project includes distribution lines, more than 40 transformers, electricity poles and metering of households within the benefiting communities,” he said.

Aliyu disclosed that the agency has also commenced 14 additional electrification projects in communities including Dapchi, Gogon Kuka, Malori, Tulmi, Zangaya, Falimaram, Jawur and Katama.

He credited the progress to the support of Governor Mai Mala Buni, commending the state government for creating an enabling environment for renewable energy investments.

The REA Managing Director particularly praised the governor for the prompt allocation of land for the projects through the Yobe Geographic Information System (YOGIS), noting that the gesture accelerated implementation.

Aliyu also acknowledged the contributions of the Commissioner for Energy and Transport, Mr Mohammed Gajera, officials of the Yobe Electricity Regulatory Commission, YOGIS, and other state government officials toward the successful execution of the project.

He expressed confidence that all the projects would be completed and inaugurated within six months.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Power, Alhaji Mamuda Gurara, described the groundbreaking ceremony as another demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity for Nigerians.

Gurara said electricity remains fundamental to economic growth, industrialisation, improved healthcare, quality education, enhanced security and poverty reduction.

He noted that the ministry is implementing policies and programmes to expand electricity access while accelerating Nigeria’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.

According to him, the Federal Government has strengthened reforms in the electricity sector, supported the implementation of the Electricity Act 2023, promoted renewable energy deployment and expanded off-grid electricity solutions through solar mini-grids and hybrid systems.

He added that the Damaturu project will provide dependable electricity to households, businesses and public institutions, reduce reliance on costly fossil fuel-powered generators and lower energy costs.

Gurara further stated that the project is expected to create jobs, stimulate small and medium-scale enterprises, improve healthcare services, increase agricultural productivity and drive socio-economic development.

He urged the REA and contractors to ensure the project is completed and commissioned before the end of 2026.

In his remarks, Governor Mai Mala Buni said his administration has electrified more than 450 rural communities, restored electricity to communities affected by insurgency and connected Gulani and Yunusari Local Government Areas to the national grid after decades without public electricity.

He added that the state has installed more than 17,000 solar-powered streetlights, developed solar hybrid systems for hospitals and public institutions, and upgraded electricity infrastructure across Yobe.

According to the governor, the new 13.92MW interconnected hybrid solar mini-grid project will provide reliable electricity to thousands of households, schools, hospitals, farms and businesses in Damaturu, Buni Yadi, Gashua and other benefiting communities.

Buni reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing the Electricity Act 2023, noting that Yobe has upgraded its electricity commission to strengthen regulation and attract private investment into the power sector.

He also announced that the state government has acquired and secured all project sites, paid compensation to affected landowners and presented Certificates of Occupancy for the project locations to facilitate seamless implementation.

The governor urged residents of the benefiting communities to safeguard the facilities to ensure their long-term sustainability.

Source: Realnews Magazine