The Gombe State Government has expanded its electricity market, creating new opportunities for investors in solar power and clean energy as part of efforts to promote sustainable development and economic growth.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, gave the assurance on Monday, describing clean energy as a key driver of job creation, industrial expansion and overall development in the state. He spoke while delivering a keynote address at a meeting on emerging opportunities in the Gombe State electricity sector, jointly organised by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Gombe State Government at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to establishing solar power plants, promoting energy solutions for agriculture and industry, and converting waste to energy using modern technologies to generate sustainable wealth across the state.
He described the conference as an important platform for collaboration among the state government, the REA and other stakeholders aimed at expanding access to affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity while reducing environmental pollution.
Highlighting Gombe’s comparative advantages, Governor Inuwa Yahaya said the state is among the most peaceful in the North-East, with abundant sunshine, vast land, increasing energy demand and a youthful population. According to him, these factors position the state to play a significant role in Nigeria’s energy transition with the right investments, technology and partnerships.
He said energy remains a central pillar of his administration’s economic transformation agenda, citing initiatives such as the installation of solar streetlights, rehabilitation of primary healthcare centres, deployment of solar-powered schools across all local government areas and infrastructure upgrades designed to attract investors.
The governor recalled that Gombe ranked among the leading states in ease of doing business in 2021 and 2022, attributing the achievement to investor-friendly policies.
He further explained that the state is leveraging the 2023 Electricity Act through the enactment of the Gombe State Electricity Law 2025, which empowers the state to generate, transmit and distribute electricity and establish a private electricity market.
According to him, the Gombe State Electricity Commission is being set up to work with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to strengthen power generation, distribution and manufacturing systems within the state.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya commended the Rural Electrification Agency for expanding electricity access to rural and underserved communities through mini-grid solar projects, noting that the interventions have positively impacted small businesses, education and healthcare delivery.
He affirmed the state’s readiness to deepen partnerships with federal agencies and development partners to improve electricity supply and enhance residents’ quality of life.
The governor urged stakeholders to focus discussions beyond investment opportunities to include job creation, industrial development and the provision of sustainable power to communities, assuring investors of government support through land allocation, security, streamlined planning processes and fast-tracked approvals for clean energy projects.
He also disclosed that the state signed an agreement in November for a 1-megawatt power project in Talasse, Balanga Local Government Area, under a public-private partnership involving the state and local governments, the REA and Mids Dynamics Limited. Similar projects, he said, are planned for Shongom Local Government Area and 22 other communities.
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Reiterating the state’s long-term vision under the 10-year Development Agenda for Gombe State (DEVAGOM 2021–2030), the governor said the goal is to ensure that every home, school, hospital and business has access to clean, affordable and reliable energy to create jobs, reduce poverty and strengthen the economy.
He called on government institutions, development partners, investors, researchers and community leaders to collaborate in harnessing clean energy opportunities that address critical economic needs.
“Let us make this conference impactful—one that enlightens our communities, strengthens our industries and delivers sustainable prosperity to the people of Gombe State,” he said.
