By Stella Odueme
The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to improve electricity supply in Zamfara State, with the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, inaugurating the state's electricity policy, commissioning two solar power plants and flagging off 36 solar mini-grid projects across nine local government areas.
The projects are expected to provide electricity to about 147,000 homes and businesses upon completion, expanding access to reliable power, particularly in underserved communities.
Tegbe announced the initiatives in Gusau during an event attended by Governor Dauda Lawal, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, development partners, traditional rulers and community representatives.
He said the projects aligned with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to translate policy reforms and investments into improved public services and better living conditions for Nigerians.
The two commissioned facilities comprise a 1MW solar mini-grid supported by 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 at the Government House and its auxiliary facilities.
According to the minister, the hospital installation would ensure more reliable electricity for medical services and the preservation of essential medicines, while the Government House project would end reliance on diesel-powered generators.
He explained that two of the 36 mini-grid projects, located in Gusau and Kaura Namoda, would be interconnected with existing distribution networks to improve electricity supply.
The remaining 34 projects would extend power access to communities not currently served by the national grid.
Tegbe also unveiled Zamtaxi, a clean transportation initiative expected to generate employment and business opportunities for drivers, technicians and young entrepreneurs.
He said the Electricity Act 2023, signed into law by President Tinubu, had created opportunities for state governments and private investors to play greater roles in electricity generation, transmission and distribution.
The minister pledged the Federal Ministry of Power's continued support for Zamfara State to ensure the effective implementation of its electricity policy and the establishment of functional institutions.
He called on host communities to protect the facilities against vandalism and theft, urging residents to regard the projects as their collective assets and report any attempts to damage or steal equipment.
Tegbe also congratulated Zamfara on its 30th anniversary and praised Governor Lawal for supporting the two commissioned mini-grid projects and other renewable energy investments in the state.
He noted that the state's other solar initiatives included installations for 15 general hospitals, 800 schools and 70 primary healthcare facilities.
The Federal Government said the Zamfara projects were part of its broader commitment to expanding electricity access through investments in renewable energy alongside efforts to strengthen the national grid.
The initiative is expected to improve access to electricity, stimulate economic activities and support essential services in homes, hospitals, schools, farms and businesses across the state.