By Our Correspondent
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has commissioned two solar power installations and performed the groundbreaking ceremony for 36 solar mini-grids developed by the Zamfara State Government.
The projects, implemented under the state’s electricity policy, are expected to provide electricity access to about 147,000 homes and businesses across the state.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Tegbe said reliable electricity would strengthen essential public services, particularly healthcare, by helping hospitals save lives and preserve essential medicines.
The two commissioned facilities comprise a 1MW solar plant at Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital and a 1.2MW installation serving the Government House. Together, they have a generation capacity of 2.2MW and more than 3MW of battery storage.
The event also featured the unveiling of 100 ZamTaxi electric vehicles, 10 electric tricycles dedicated to maternal healthcare transportation and two compressed natural gas (CNG) buses donated by the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas.
The initiatives form part of Zamfara’s broader efforts to integrate renewable energy, improve public services and promote cleaner transportation.
Also unveiled was the Zamfara State Electricity Policy, alongside the signing of a collaboration agreement between the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the state government for the solarisation of public institutions, including hospitals, schools and other critical government facilities.
Tegbe said the projects demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding decentralised electricity infrastructure and encouraging greater participation by state governments in the power sector.
He noted that although the Electricity Act 2023 had created opportunities for states to develop their electricity markets, the Federal Government would continue to support states taking practical steps to attract private investment.
“Electricity must do more than illuminate homes. It must power hospitals, strengthen educational institutions, support agricultural productivity, enable businesses and improve the quality of public services.
“The Federal Government will continue to support states that are taking practical steps to develop their electricity markets and create the conditions necessary for sustainable private investment,” the minister stated. (GSF)
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