By Seun Ibiyemi
Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, has flagged off the construction of a 3.5-megawatt solar power project aimed at strengthening electricity supply, expanding energy access and driving economic development across the state.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Lot 7 – Design, Supply and Installation of a 33kV Power Infrastructure Project was held on Sunday in Ambursa, marking another milestone in the state’s partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to improve power infrastructure.
Speaking at the event, Governor Idris said his administration remained committed to collaborating with the REA to ensure efficient and reliable electricity supply for residents.
He described electricity as the backbone of modern economic development, noting that the project would provide 3.5MW of clean solar energy supported by battery storage systems to guarantee uninterrupted power supply even after sunset.
According to the governor, the project will significantly improve electricity access and stimulate socio-economic activities across Kebbi State.
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Idris commended the Rural Electrification Agency and the project contractor, Kelm Elicon Joint Venture, for driving the initiative, adding that the state government had provided the project site free of charge to facilitate timely execution.
He urged the contractors to deliver quality work within the agreed timeline and appealed to residents of Ambursa to protect the facilities and cooperate with workers throughout the implementation period.
Earlier, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved 750 million dollars for the agency to implement interconnected mini-grid projects across Nigeria.
Aliyu said about 10 million dollars would be invested in the Kebbi solar project, which is expected to provide improved electricity to more than 1,000 households and key public facilities, including the Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi.
He noted that the project forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to expand renewable energy infrastructure, improve electricity access and accelerate economic growth through sustainable power solutions.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Kobeissi Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Ltd., Ali Kobeissi, assured stakeholders that the project would be completed within eight months.
He called on host communities to support the contractors to ensure the successful delivery of the project within schedule.
The 3.5MW solar power project is expected to enhance the reliability of electricity supply, reduce dependence on conventional energy sources and strengthen Kebbi State’s transition towards clean and sustainable energy.
