Adamawa Govt, REA Expand Solar Mini-Grid Projects Across State

Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ending persistent electricity challenges through renewable energy, saying more solar mini-grid projects will be deployed across the state to power communities, create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

The Governor gave the assurance during the groundbreaking and commissioning of solar mini-grid projects in Yola South, Michika and Madagali Local Government Areas under a partnership involving the Adamawa State Government, the Federal Government through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and private investors.

Speaking at the events, Fintiri said his administration adopted renewable energy to provide a sustainable solution to the electricity challenges confronting many communities, particularly in northern Adamawa where power infrastructure was destroyed by insurgency.

He disclosed that the partnership with the REA has attracted investments leading to the approval of about 40 solar mini-grid projects across the state, noting that the projects will provide reliable electricity to homes, businesses, schools and healthcare facilities while boosting economic activities and improving living standards.

The Governor said the Fresh Air administration remains committed to ensuring that both urban and rural communities have access to stable electricity and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for policies promoting renewable energy investments.

Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, described the projects as part of the Federal Government’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda to expand electricity access across the country, adding that more renewable energy projects would be implemented in Adamawa.

Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, said the projects would provide electricity to over 6,000 entrepreneurs, more than 100 public institutions and thousands of households, creating new opportunities for businesses and improving public services.

The Managing Director of Mahashakti Nigeria Limited, Kennedy Nnagha, disclosed that the interconnected solar mini-grid project for Kofare, Saminaka and Mbamba communities has a generation capacity of 13.5 megawatts.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Works and Energy Development, Engr. Suleiman Muhammed, said the projects would significantly expand electricity access across the benefiting communities and urged residents to protect the facilities.

Traditional rulers and community leaders commended the initiative, describing it as a major boost to commerce, healthcare, education and socio-economic development in the benefiting communities.