'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Jigawa State’s renewable energy drive as part of its ongoing state-by-state strategic roundtables.
This was highlighted at the REA-Jigawa State Roundtable held in Abuja, following extensive engagements between the agency and the state government. Governor Umar Namadi emphasized his administration’s dedication to harnessing clean energy opportunities to drive sustainable economic growth.
Themed “Unleashing Market Opportunities for Decentralized Renewable Energy in Jigawa State,” the roundtable aimed at fostering collaboration between the state government, Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs), and key stakeholders. It comes on the heels of Jigawa’s recent efforts to strengthen its electricity market, including the creation of the Jigawa State Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy and the Jigawa State Electricity Regulatory Commission. These initiatives are intended to provide inclusive energy solutions and enhance electricity access across the state.
While presenting data-driven insights on Jigawa’s electricity market, REA’s Managing Director, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, stated that the state has the potential to immediately electrify one million people using solar mini-grids. He assured Governor Namadi of REA’s commitment to implementing cost-effective electrification strategies, backed by data and sustainability mechanisms. According to Aliyu, REA is currently executing 21 mini-grid projects across 21 local government areas in Jigawa through the Nigeria Electrification Programme (NEP) in collaboration with the African Development Bank. These projects are expected to provide electricity to over 300,000 people, with a focus on high-energy-demand communities engaged in agricultural production.
In a significant move, Governor Namadi signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with REA to unlock the state’s renewable energy potential. He reassured Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCOs) of Jigawa’s readiness for strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs), emphasizing that the state provides a stable investment climate for clean energy initiatives. Encouraged by the governor’s commitment, several RESCOs present at the event expressed immediate interest in undertaking clean energy projects to optimize Jigawa’s renewable energy potential.
Governor Namadi also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership in the energy sector, particularly following the passage of the 2023 Electricity Act. He described Jigawa as an ideal environment for renewable energy investment, citing favorable policies, political will, and the state’s physical advantages. “The potential and opportunities for renewable energy development in Jigawa State are limitless, from policy environment to political commitment, and from our comparative geographical advantages to an already conducive investment climate,” he stated.
Speaking on Nigeria’s broader renewable energy landscape, Olufemi Akinyelure, Head of the Project Management Unit for the Nigeria Electrification Programme, emphasized the role of the World Bank-funded Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) programme. With a $750 million budget, DARES aims to provide electricity to over 25 million Nigerians. He also underscored the importance of increased private-sector financing to drive renewable energy scale-up and improve return on investment.
Further expanding on REA’s initiatives, Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund (REF), Engr. Doris Udoh, discussed the agency’s E-HEART initiative and State Matching Programme. She explained that REA is targeting renewable energy projects across key sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, rural development, and transportation, with the ultimate goal of improving internally generated revenue in the states.
Historically, Jigawa has benefitted from several off-grid energy solutions implemented by REA, including solar home systems, mini-grids, streetlights, electric vehicle charging stations, and solar-powered irrigation pumps. These initiatives have played a vital role in electrifying rural communities, boosting agricultural productivity, and improving livelihoods across the state.
As Nigeria continues its transition to a decentralized energy market under the 2023 Electricity Act, Jigawa State is positioning itself as a model for subnational clean energy adoption. The strategic partnership between REA and the state government is expected to accelerate electrification efforts, attract investment, and drive sustainable economic development in the region.
