Gombe State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MIDS Dynamics Ltdand the Local Government Joint Project Development Agency to deploy solar mini-grids in underserved communities in the state.
The project targets over one million households within the next three years.
In a statement issued by the director-general on Press Affairs, Isma’il Uba Misilli, ,yesterday, the agreement, which was formalised on Tuesday, is structured under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
All the parties have committed specific percentages of investment toward delivering sustainable, off-grid electricity solutions, especially in rural areas lacking access to the national grid.
The chairman of Gombe local government area, Sani Ahmad Haruna, who also doubles as the state ALGON chairman, said the initiative aligns with conditions set by international development partners such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to access renewable energy grants for large-scale solar projects.
Addressing the press after the signing, Barr. Haruna revealed that Talasse and other communities in Balanga local government area will benefit from the first phase of implementation, followed by Shongom and additional LGAs in subsequent phases.
Managing director of MIDS Dynamics Ltd, Engr. Halis Muhammad, praised the government’s commitment, adding that the project is backed by feasibility studies and extensive surveys across the state.
“We have carried out extensive surveys and feasibility studies across the state, and we are committed to electrifying over 1 million households in the next three years. We are present in various states and are currently the largest recipient of African Development Bank grants,” he said.
The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the 6th meeting of the Joint Project Development Council, with Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya in attendance.
The commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Hon. Sanusi Ahmad Pindiga, signed on behalf of the state government, while the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Zubair Muhammad Umar, and ALGON leaders witnessed the event.
