Stakeholders Single Out Gombe As Nigeria’s Top Investment Destination At REA Clean Energy Roundtable

Gombe State has once again earned strong commendation from stakeholders and renewable energy investors, who unanimously described the state as one of Nigeria’s most attractive and secure destinations for clean energy investment, citing its peaceful environment, clear policies and strong government commitment.

This endorsement came at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Clean Energy Market Roundtable, held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, under the theme: “Powering Inclusive Growth: Strengthening Gombe State’s Emerging Clean Energy Market through Partnership and Innovation.”

Speaker after speaker at the event praised Gombe State for its reputation in good governance, strategic planning and effective public-private partnerships.

Renewable energy firms and financiers expressed confidence that investments in the state offer stability, predictability and strong returns.

The roundtable forms part of the REA’s State-by-State renewable energy investment drive, aimed at deepening understanding of energy potentials across Nigeria and attracting private sector participation.

Although Gombe State was the 20th state to be featured in the series, stakeholders observed that the state presented a highly competitive, well-structured and investor-ready business ecosystem.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, commended the resilience and strong private sector orientation of the Gombe State Government under Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON.

“I have not seen a Governor more committed to this endeavour than the Governor of Gombe State. Because of his passion and drive, I have visited Gombe State twice. Gombe has created a model that has become a reference point across Nigeria, with other states now adopting it. Thank you for teaching us the value of private sector-driven development,” Aliyu said.

He praised the state’s proactive approach to renewable energy development and urged investors and stakeholders to partner with a government that is already prepared, focused and reform-minded, rather than states where foundational commitments to clean energy are still evolving.

In his remarks, business mogul Alhaji Isiyaku Rabiu Isiyaku (IRI) expressed strong confidence in Gombe State’s business climate, describing it as enabling and investor-friendly.

He announced plans to establish an electric tricycle manufacturing plant in Gombe State, noting that the investment is a direct response to the supportive policies and stable environment provided by the state government.

Alhaji Isiyaku Rabiu Isiyaku also disclosed that his company will train Gombe youths in solar energy installation and maintenance, in support of the state government’s youth employment and skills development agenda.

“We are encouraged by the enabling business environment in Gombe State. We are ready to set up an electric tricycle plant and to train young people in solar energy installation and maintenance. We are fully committed to a sustainable and long-term partnership with the Gombe State Government,” he said.

The Managing Director of Cloud Energy, while sharing his impression of the state, described Gombe as “a part of Nigeria that is even more beautiful than Europe,” underscoring the confidence and appeal the state has generated among investors.

Other stakeholders and investors also expressed strong confidence in Gombe State, praising its peaceful environment, clear policies and investor-friendly approach.

They described the state as well prepared for renewable energy investments, noting that its proactive engagement and strong institutional support make it a safe and attractive destination for long-term clean energy partnerships.

In his remarks, Governor Inuwa Yahaya commended the REA team for their professionalism and deep understanding of their mandate, noting that presentations made by the Agency’s directors reflected a firm grasp of sector developments.

The Governor also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating an enabling environment for reforms in the power sector, particularly applauding the enactment of the Electricity Act 2023, which liberalized electricity generation, distribution and sales among the federating states.

He noted that the reforms have triggered far-reaching changes in the sector and empowered states like Gombe to take charge of their energy future.

“Gombe State has deliberately prioritized energy as a cornerstone of its economic transformation,” the Governor said, adding that the provision of over 170,000 solar streetlights, all currently functional with more being added, is clear evidence of this commitment.

Assuring investors of a safe and business-friendly climate, Governor Inuwa Yahaya said Gombe offers peace, security and policy clarity for all who wish to invest.

“Despite coming later into this roundtable series, Gombe State is fully ready for business in renewable energy. What you are advising us to do here, we have proactively done. The coast is clear, and our government is focused and ready to partner with the Rural Electrification Agency,” he stated.

He further pledged that the state would continue to strengthen the renewable energy value chain to ensure efficiency and timely returns on investment.

The Governor also reaffirmed the state’s readiness to support the REA with data and institutional backing to enhance electrification of unserved and underserved communities through mini-grids and solar energy clusters.

“Today’s discussion must go beyond identifying potentials. We must translate these opportunities into bankable projects that will create jobs, stimulate industrial growth and provide stable power to our people,” he concluded.