Gombe Expands Power Market, Opens Doors To Solar, Clean Energy Investors

…As Governor Inuwa Yahaya Assures Business-Friendly Climate, Says Renewable Energy Key to Jobs, Industry, Prosperity in Gombe

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has restated the commitment of the Gombe State Government to unlock opportunities in solar mini-grids, agricultural energy solutions, captive power for industries, waste-to-energy and other innovative technologies as a pathway to powering sustainable prosperity and inclusive growth across the state.

The Governor stated this while delivering a keynote address at Roundtable on Unlocking Renewable Energy Potentials and the Power Sector in Gombe State, organized by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in collaboration with Gombe State government, held, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the roundtable as timely and strategicplatform in the drive by Gombe State Government, the REA and other stakeholders to expand access to reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity as a catalyst for development.

He pointed out Gombe State’s strong comparative advantage in the clean energy space, describing the state as the most peaceful in the North-East, with abundant solar resources, vast tracts of suitable land, a growing energy demand and a vibrant youthful population.

According to him, these factors place Gombe in a unique position to play a leading role in Nigeria’s energy transition, provided investments, technology and partnerships are well coordinated.

The Governor noted that his administration has deliberately positioned energy as a cornerstone of economic transformation.

He cited interventions such as the deployment of solar streetlights, the revitalization of solar-powered primary healthcare facilities and schools across all local government areas, as well as reforms that have made Gombe a preferred destination for investors.

He recalled that the state ranked first in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Ease of Doing Business subnational rankings in 2021 and 2022, a proof of its investor-friendly policies.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya further disclosed that Gombe State has taken full advantage of the Electricity Act 2023 by enacting the Gombe State Electricity Law 2025, which empowers the state to generate, transmit and distribute electricity, as well as establish its own electricity market.

He added that plans are underway to set up a State Electricity Regulatory Commission to work in collaboration with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to strengthen distribution, metering and off-grid systems.

He commended the Rural Electrification Agency for its critical role in expanding access to power in unserved and underserved communities through mini-grids, solar home systems and productive-use infrastructure, noting that such interventions have direct impact on livelihoods, small businesses, education and healthcare delivery.

He assured that Gombe State is ready to deepen its partnership with the Agency for greater reach and impact.

The Governor stressed that discussions at the roundtable must go beyond identifying potentials to developing bankable, investment-ready projects that will create jobs, stimulate industrial growth and deliver stable power to communities.

He assured investors of the state’s readiness to provide land, security, policy support and expedited approvals to de-risk renewable energy investments.

He announced that in November 2025, the state signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the deployment of a 1MW solar mini-grid project in Talasse, Balanga Local Government Area, under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement involving the state government, local governments through the Joint Project Development Agency, and Mids Dynamics Limited.

The agreement, he noted, was witnessed by the Managing Director and top management of the REA, with similar projects set to commence in Filiya, Shongom Local Government Area, and 22 other locations across the state.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya restated that the state’s long-term ambition, as captured in the Gombe State 10-Year Development Plan (DEVAGOM 2021-2030), is to ensure that every home, school, health facility and business has access to clean, reliable and affordable energy to drive productivity, reduce poverty and build resilience.

He called on public institutions, development partners, financiers, investors, researchers and community leaders to collaborate with the state in harnessing renewable energy opportunities that align with its economic priorities.

“Let us make this Roundtable a turning point, one that lights up our communities, powers our industries and delivers sustainable prosperity for the people of Gombe State.”