In a significant stride toward improving energy access in underserved areas, Yobe State and the federal government have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement long-term rural electrification strategies across the state.
The signing ceremony took place in Abuja during a high-level roundtable involving the Yobe State Government, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and other key stakeholders in Nigeria’s energy sector to enhance power distribution and stability, especially in remote and insurgency-affected communities.
The MoU, which centers on the deployment of sustainable decentralised solar energy solutions, was signed by the Managing Director of REA, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, and the agency’s Secretary, Kashim Ibrahim, on behalf of the federal government while the Secretary to the Yobe State government, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, and the commissioner for transport and energy, Mohammed Mohammed Bara signed on behalf of the state.
The initiative is designed to bridge the energy gap by facilitating the implementation of off-grid solar electrification projects in communities without access to the national grid.
Yobe State Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, highlighted his administration’s achievements in rural electrification while speaking at the event. He stated that more than 400 communities across the state’s three senatorial districts have been connected to the national grid.
“We have extended 33kV and 11kV distribution lines to underserved and insurgency-affected communities, including the restoration of power supply in Gujba East.
“A new feeder line has also been constructed from the 330/132/33kV transmission facility to ensure uninterrupted power supply to Yobe State University and the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital.
“In a historic move, we achieved the first-ever connection of Gulani local government area to the national grid since its creation in 1991, while Kanama is nearing completion.”
Governor Buni further disclosed that over 100 transformers ranging from 300kVA to 500kVA have been procured and installed in communities, health centres, schools, and densely populated urban areas.
Earlier, REA Managing Director Abba Abubakar Aliyu reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to the electrification project’s success, noting that it aligned with the national agenda for expanding energy access through renewable sources.
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