By Abdullahi Lukman
Jigawa State Governor Mallam Umar Namadi has emphasized the state’s unwavering commitment to fostering robust Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) with Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs) as part of its strategy to accelerate the development of clean energy.
In his remarks at a high-level strategic roundtable, the Governor assured prospective investors that the state is prepared to offer a stable investment climate and a secure ecosystem for the implementation of renewable energy projects.
Governor Namadi’s comments come as part of Jigawa’s efforts to position itself as a key player in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.
He highlighted the state’s enthusiasm to collaborate with private investors in the renewable energy space, aiming to harness the immense potential of clean energy to drive sustainable development, job creation, and long
term economic growth.
Namadi said his administration is particularly focused on providing opportunities for solar energy initiatives, given the abundant sunlight in the region.
During the roundtable, Abba Aliyu, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), provided comprehensive data driven insights into Jigawa’s electricity market, outlining the vast opportunities for renewable energy expansion.
He noted that the state’s energy infrastructure is poised for transformation through targeted interventions, which would benefit both urban and rural populations.
Aliyu explained that the REA is spearheading a project to electrify one million residents in Jigawa through the deployment of solar mini-grids.
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This initiative is expected to unlock a range of socioeconomic benefits, including increased access to education, healthcare, and employment, while fostering investment opportunities in clean energy technologies.
Aliyu also provided an update on the progress of the Nigeria Electrification Programme (NEP), under which the REA is overseeing 21 solar mini-grid projects across the state’s 21 Local Government Areas.
These projects are expected to provide electricity to over 300,000 people in rural and underserved areas, enabling communities to thrive with consistent and reliable power sources.
He further highlighted that these mini-grids will provide essential services such as powering schools, healthcare facilities, and businesses, which would help lift communities out of energy poverty.
The REA has been actively involved in deploying various off-grid energy solutions across Jigawa State, with a focus on solar-powered systems.
These include solar home systems, mini grids, streetlights, electric vehicle charging stations, and solar-powered irrigation pumps.
These interventions are designed to not only provide electricity but also support sustainable agricultural practices by enabling farmers to use renewable energy for irrigation.
Furthermore, the state has been working on grid extension projects to improve overall energy access.
Aliyu stressed that these initiatives have already started making a tangible impact on the livelihoods of residents, improving access to electricity, enhancing local economies, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
The introduction of solar energy in Jigawa is helping to address some of the state’s energy challenges, particularly in rural areas where access to the national grid is limited.
