By Mohammed Abubakar Dutse
The Jigawa state government has struck a groundbreaking deal with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at revolutionizing renewable energy development and expanding access to sustainable electricity across the state.
The historic deal was struck at the end of the REA State-by-State Roundtable Conference which the state took part on Tuesday at the Transcorps Hotel, Abuja was initialed by the Secretary to the State Government, (SSG) Bala Ibrahim, while the REA’s MD/CEO Abba Abubakar Aliyu singed for the agency.
The MoU cements collaboration between the state and REA to deploy decentralized renewable energy solutions, strengthen local capacity, and attract private sector investments.
Notable projects targeted in the agreement include an 80 MW solar initiative by Nova Scotia Power Development Company and a 200 MW venture by Cogen Energy Limited, among others.
The Roundtable had the participation of top officials of the Agency, energy sector investors, industry experts, and critical stakeholders to deliberate on actionable strategies for decentralizing renewable energy markets and accelerating Nigeria’s energy transition.
With a theme, “Unleashing Market Opportunities for Decentralized Renewable Energy Market in Jigawa State,” the conference showcased Jigawa’s pioneering role as the first in Nigeria’s Northwest region to enact and operationalize a comprehensive Electricity Law, signaling a new era of energy innovation and inclusivity.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Governor Umar Namadi, reiterated the state’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes decentralized renewable energy as a catalyst for national economic growth.
“As most of us are aware, the Renewed Hope Agenda has recognized that Nigeria’s economic growth has long been stifled by structural constraints in the power sector.
“Accordingly, the agenda has considered increased public and private sector investments in off-grid and renewable power generation as part of the options for a sustainable solution to the seemingly intractable power problems in the country,” he said.
“In the same vein, several aspects of our 12-Point Agenda have equally recognized sustained investment in renewable energy, connecting rural communities and public institutions to off-grid electricity, and expanding the role of the private sector in transforming the state’s economy as key priorities.
“This is in line with the strategic development objectives we are pursuing to deliver our vision for Greater Jigawa. Indeed, this is what informed our commitment to the pursuit of positive transformations across all sectors to ensure sustained improvements in the socioeconomic well-being of the entire people in our state. “
The governor further emphasized the state’s strategic reforms, including the creation of the Ministry of Power and Energy, the enactment of investor-friendly policies, and ongoing mega projects such as the 1,000 MW Jigawa Solar PV Power Plan in Gwiwa Local Government—a flagship initiative set to transform the state into a national leader in solar energy production.
“To lead the implementation of our policies toward the transformation of the power sector in Jigawa, we found it imperative to establish the Ministry for Power and Energy early in 2024.
“This was followed up with the enactment of a law that will establish an Electricity Commission to regulate the generation, transmission, system operation, distribution, supply, and promotion of access to electricity in the state in line with emerging national policies and regulations governing the power sector.
‘The law will also empower the commission to pursue its programs and initiatives through increased private sector investments or public-private sector partnerships in grid, mini-grid, and other off-grid electricity options using renewable and non-renewable fuel sources.”
Namadi highlighted Jigawa’s vast solar potential, boasting 11 hours of daily sunshine and irradiation levels of 5.24 kW/m², among the highest in Nigeria.
“With a population of about 7.5 million people, low access to electricity with vast unserved/underserved communities, a landmass of over 23,400 square kilometers blessed with the highest irradiation levels in Nigeria, a strong political commitment ever, and our strong support for the development of renewable energy, a pragmatic policy environment with streamlined regulations, and a conducive investment climate full of robust and attractive investment incentives.
“We firmly believe the opportunities for a sustainable and highly profitable renewable energy market in Jigawa State are limitless. They are there for the taking.”
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