Gombe State has emerged as one of the benefitting states for the Small Hydro Power Development for Agro-Industry use in Nigeria (SHP-DAIN).
The SHP-DAIN is an initiative of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, and the European Union geared towards advancing Nigeria’s green and just transition to Net zero through circular economy to propel socioeconomic activities for sustainable development.
The main objective of the programme is to improve access to reliable, affordable and sustainable modern energy sources for all while promoting economic activities and at same time combating pollution and climate change in Nigeria.
At the launch of the programme in Abuja which took place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General who is also the UNIDO Regional Office Director Mohammed Malick Fall, and the Representative of the European Union said the promotion of Small Hydro Power Development and circular economy approach in Nigeria will decarbonise the economy, adding that it would achieve a transition to Net Zero by 2060 by the use of renewable energy sources thereby reducing the greenhouse gas emissions.
Fall said, “It is note worthy that the implementation will be carried out by UNIDO under the framework of the EU multilateral indicative program 2021-2027 Action Document for EU Nigeria Cooperation program for Sustainable energy sector in Nigeria phase one (NCPROSES).”
Speaking, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, expressed joy that his state is among the benefitting states for the developmental project.
He also assured them that Gombe is ready as it has begun its industrialisation agenda which has matched words with action by establishing the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park at Dadinkowa.
Represented by Deputy Governor Manassah Daniel Jatau, Governor Inuwa highlighted that power in every day life of humans cannot be overemphasised as it is a necessity or even a basic right.
He also intimated the gathering that Gombe State is endowed with abundant mineral resources that will transform and propel the industrialisation and development agenda of the state thereby assuring prospective investors of the needed support and collaboration in a secured environment stating that Gombe ranks first in the country in the ease of doing business.
The Governor further appreciated EU and UNIDO for empowering states to booster development in their domains to be at par with other developed states by assisting in the provision of the necessary critical infrastructures for development enhancement.
Recall that Governor Yahaya in 2019 entered into a development synergy with UNIDO for the development of Hydropower in Balanga Dam. However, its has yielded positive result as Gombe State was able to meet up with certain qualification criteria which include policy, technical and fiduciary commitment and came out top in the country.
