By Seun Ibiyemi
The Federal Government has commenced the construction of a 13.92 megawatt-peak (MWp) interconnected hybrid solar mini-grid project across five locations in Yobe State as part of efforts to expand electricity access, improve power reliability and stimulate economic activities in the state.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Wednesday, covered project sites in Damaturu, Bade, Nguru and Potiskum, with the initiative also including the deployment of 40 distribution transformers to strengthen electricity distribution.
The project is being implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) with support from the World Bank and aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at modernising Nigeria’s power infrastructure and expanding access to clean energy.
The initiative comprises a 1.76MWp solar installation for Waziri Ibrahim Estate in Damaturu, a 2.98MWp mini-grid in Gashua, Bade Local Government Area, a 3.20MWp project in Nguru, and two installations in Potiskum—a 3.20MWp plant in Yarimaram and a 2.78MWp facility in Rugan Fulani.
Speaking at the event, Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, said the projects would complement the state’s efforts to improve electricity supply to public institutions, rural communities and educational facilities.
He thanked President Tinubu for supporting the initiative and commended the REA for driving projects that align with his administration’s vision of strengthening infrastructure to boost industrial development and agricultural productivity.
In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the REA, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, said the interconnected hybrid mini-grids were designed to integrate with existing distribution networks to deliver reliable and affordable electricity to homes, businesses and public institutions.
“We are not merely connecting communities to electricity. We are connecting them to opportunity. We are creating an environment where businesses can grow, young people can innovate, farmers can process more of what they produce, healthcare facilities can provide better services, and local economies can flourish,” Aliyu said.
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He disclosed that the projects stemmed from a strategic partnership between the REA and the Yobe State Government following the REA–Yobe State Strategic Roundtable held in June 2025, which culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to accelerate electricity access and attract private investment into the state’s energy sector.
Aliyu also revealed that the agency has 14 additional solar electrification projects in the pipeline across Yobe State with a combined generation capacity of 15.3MWp, expected to provide electricity to 23,870 new connections.
According to him, the pipeline projects cover Jawur Katamma, Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Dibbwol, Dogonkuka, Malori, Turmi, Zangaya, Dole and Falimaran, alongside additional interconnected mini-grids in Gashua, Nguru, Rugan Fulani, Waziri Ibrahim and Yarimaram.
The Yobe projects form part of the REA’s broader renewable energy expansion programme, following recent groundbreaking ceremonies for mini-grid projects in Kogi, Plateau, Rivers, Adamawa and Kebbi states.
