Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has reaffirmed Gombe State Government’s commitment to expanding access to renewable energy and creating a business-friendly climate for investors in the sector. Speaking at the Roundtable on Unlocking Renewable Energy Potentials and the Power Sector in Gombe State, organized by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in collaboration with the state government at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, the Governor emphasized renewable energy as key to jobs, industry, and prosperity in Gombe.
Governor Yahaya highlighted the state’s comparative advantages, including abundant solar resources, expansive land, a growing energy demand, a youthful population, and the region’s reputation as one of the most peaceful in the North-East. He said these factors position Gombe to play a leading role in Nigeria’s energy transition if investments and partnerships are strategically coordinated.
“The state has deliberately positioned energy as a cornerstone of economic transformation,” the Governor said, citing initiatives such as solar streetlights and the revitalization of solar-powered schools and primary healthcare facilities across all local government areas. He also noted that Gombe ranked first in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Ease of Doing Business subnational rankings in 2021 and 2022, underlining the state’s investor-friendly policies.
Governor Yahaya disclosed that Gombe has enacted the Gombe State Electricity Law 2025, leveraging the Electricity Act 2023 to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity independently, and to establish a state electricity market. Plans are also underway to set up a State Electricity Regulatory Commission in partnership with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to strengthen distribution, metering, and off-grid systems.
He commended REA for its role in expanding access to power in unserved and underserved communities through mini-grids, solar home systems, and productive-use infrastructure, noting the positive impact on livelihoods, small businesses, education, and healthcare delivery.
The Governor urged the roundtable participants to go beyond identifying renewable energy potentials and focus on developing bankable, investment-ready projects to create jobs, stimulate industrial growth, and provide stable electricity. He assured investors of land, security, policy support, and expedited approvals to de-risk renewable energy projects.
Highlighting ongoing projects, Governor Yahaya announced a 1MW solar mini-grid project in Talasse, Balanga Local Government Area, deployed under a Public-Private Partnership with Mids Dynamics Limited, local governments, and the state government. Similar projects are planned in Filiya, Shongom, and 22 other locations across the state.
Governor Yahaya reiterated the state’s long-term vision, as outlined in the Gombe State 10-Year Development Plan (DEVAGOM 2021–2030), to provide every home, school, health facility, and business with access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy, boosting productivity, reducing poverty, and building resilience.
“Let us make this Roundtable a turning point, one that lights up our communities, powers our industries, and delivers sustainable prosperity for the people of Gombe State,” he said.
