FG flags off 13.92MWp interconnected mini-grid projects in Yobe
The Federal Government has flagged off the construction of 13.92 megawatt-peak (MWp) interconnected hybrid solar mini-grid projects across five strategic locations in Yobe State.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at project sites in Damaturu, Bade, Nguru, and Potiskum.
The projects form part of the Federal Government’s efforts to improve electricity supply, stimulate economic activities, and reduce energy costs in key urban and semi-urban communities. The initiative also includes the deployment of 40 distribution transformers to strengthen the state’s electricity distribution network.
Implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) with support from the World Bank, the projects align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to modernize Nigeria’s power infrastructure and expand access to reliable electricity.
The initiative comprises a 1.76MWp solar mini-grid for Waziri Ibrahim Estate in Damaturu; a 2.98MWp installation in Gashua, Bade Local Government Area; a 3.20MWp project in Nguru; and two installations in Potiskum—a 3.20MWp plant at Yarimaram and a 2.78MWp project at Rugan Fulani.
Speaking at the ceremony, Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, highlighted the state’s progress in expanding electricity access to public institutions, rural communities, and educational facilities.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the initiative and commended the REA for its commitment to improving energy access. According to the governor, the projects align with his administration’s vision of building resilient infrastructure that will enhance industrial development, agricultural productivity, and economic growth across the state.
In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, said the interconnected hybrid mini-grids are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing distribution networks, delivering reliable and affordable solar-powered electricity to households, 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,” he said.
Tracing the project’s origins, Dr. Aliyu said the initiative was the result of deliberate planning and strategic collaboration between the REA and the Yobe State Government.
“Today’s event did not happen by chance. It is the product of deliberate planning and strategic collaboration. On June 26, 2025, the Rural Electrification Agency convened the REA–Yobe State Strategic Roundtable with the Government of Yobe State under the theme, ‘Powering Yobe, Powering Growth: Unlocking Energy Access for Agriculture, Innovation, and Local Investment.’
“That engagement culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the REA and the Yobe State Government, reaffirming our shared commitment to accelerating electricity access, attracting private sector investment, and unlocking the economic potential of Yobe State. Today’s groundbreaking is a direct outcome of that strategic engagement and demonstrates that when visionary leadership is matched with purposeful collaboration, transformational projects become a reality.”
Dr. Aliyu further disclosed that, beyond the 13.92MWp projects, the REA has an additional 14 projects in the pipeline across Yobe State with a combined capacity of 15.3MWp. The projects are expected to provide 23,870 new electricity connections.
The pipeline projects cover Jawur Katamma, Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Dibbwol, Dogonkuka, Malori, Turmi, Zangaya, Dole, and Falimaran, as well as additional interconnected mini-grid projects in Gashua, Nguru, Rugan Fulani, Waziri Ibrahim Estate, and Yarimaram, with a combined capacity of 13.6MW.
The Yobe projects follow a series of recent REA groundbreaking initiatives across the country, including a 20MW mini-grid in Egume, Kogi State; a 1.5MW mini-grid in Pankshin, Plateau State; an 11.9MWp project in Ogu-Bolo, Rivers State; a 10MW project in Kofare, Adamawa State; and a 3.5MW mini-grid in Ambursa, Kebbi State.
