Nearly 147,000 homes and businesses in Zamfara State are expected to gain electricity access through solar power projects involving two inaugurated solar plants and 36 mini-grids planned across nine local government areas.
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, announced the initiatives in Gusau while launching the Zamfara State Electricity Policy, inaugurating two solar plants and laying the foundation for the mini-grid projects.
The projects are expected to expand electricity access, improve power reliability and reduce dependence on diesel-powered generation across the state.
The inaugurated facilities include a 1MW mini-grid with a 2.4MW battery energy storage system (BESS) at the Ahmed Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, and a 1.5MW solar plant with a 3.6MW BESS at Government House and its auxiliary facilities.
The hospital installation is expected to support medical operations and the preservation of essential medicines, while the Government House project will eliminate dependence on diesel-based power generation.
Of the 36 mini-grid projects, two interconnected facilities in Gusau and Kaura Namoda will improve electricity supply through existing distribution networks, while the remaining 34 will serve communities beyond the reach of the current grid.
Speaking alongside Governor Dauda Lawal, Rural Electrification Agency Managing Director Abba Aliyu, development partners and community leaders, Tegbe said the initiatives reflected the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda by translating reforms and investments into improved public services and more reliable electricity.
He credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assent to the Electricity Act 2023 with creating greater opportunities for states and investors to participate in the electricity sector.
Tegbe pledged the Ministry of Power’s support for implementing the state’s electricity policy through effective institutions and improved services.
He also urged host communities to protect the electricity infrastructure and promptly report vandalism and theft, while congratulating Zamfara on its 30th anniversary.
The minister commended Governor Lawal for driving and sponsoring the two commissioned mini-grid projects, as well as other solar-powered initiatives in the state, including installations at 15 general hospitals, 800 schools and 70 primary healthcare facilities.
The projects form part of the Federal Government’s broader drive to expand electricity access alongside strengthening the national grid, using solar power and other viable energy sources to reach communities with limited or no electricity supply.
The event also featured the unveiling of Zamtaxi, an initiative expected to create opportunities for drivers, technicians and young entrepreneurs in cleaner transportation.