Yobe To Get Rural Electrification Commission

The Yobe State House of Assembly has commenced legislative processes for the establishment of a Rural Electrification Commission, following accelerated consideration of a bill seeking to repeal and re-enact the existing law on rural power development in the state.

A statement from the house indicates that the bill, which was presented by the executive arm of government, successfully scaled through its second reading on the floor of the House after extensive deliberations by lawmakers.

Leading the debate, the Majority Leader of the House, Nasiru Hassan Yusuf, described the proposed commission as a strategic intervention aimed at accelerating socio-economic development and improving the living standards of residents in rural communities.
He said the establishment of the commission would provide an institutional framework for the deployment of alternative and renewable energy solutions, including solar mini-grids, wind, and biomass systems, to address the persistent power deficit in underserved areas.

According to him, access to reliable and affordable electricity remains a catalyst for rural development, noting that the proposed law would enhance productivity, stimulate small-scale enterprises, and improve access to essential social services.

“The commission will enable the state to drive sustainable electrification initiatives that will transform rural economies and reduce dependence on the national grid,” he said.

The Majority Leader urged members to support the bill, stressing that its passage would strengthen social service delivery, promote inclusive development, and open new revenue streams for the state.

In their separate contributions, lawmakers representing Mamudo, Karasuwa, Damagum, and Gujba constituencies, Ho Mohammed Isa Bello, Hon Adamu Dala Dogo, Hon Bulama Bukar, and Hon Digma Maina Gana, commended the initiative, describing it as timely in view of the persistent electricity challenges facing rural communities across the state.

They noted that the commission would play a key role in bridging the energy gap between urban and rural areas, while supporting agricultural processing, education, and healthcare delivery.

Presiding over the plenary, the Speaker of the House, Chiroma Buba Mashio, committed the bill to the House Standing Committee on Transport and Energy for further legislative scrutiny and action.