By George Ozalla
With more than 86 million Nigerians still lacking access to reliable electricity, the Federal Government has intensified efforts to attract private investment into the renewable energy sector through State-by-State roundtable engagements. The initiative, driven by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), seeks to mobilise resources for mini-grids, solar home systems, and other clean energy projects to bridge the country’s critical power supply gap.
At the latest roundtable held yesterday at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Sokoto State showcased its vast renewable energy potentials and called for increased investor participation.
Representing Governor Ahmad Aliyu, Deputy Governor Idris Muhammad Gobir emphasized that Sokoto is abundantly endowed with renewable energy resources, particularly solar, and urged energy firms and private investors to take advantage of the state’s favourable climate and policy environment. He said with over 300 days of sunshine annually, Sokoto offers one of the most viable locations for large-scale solar power projects in Nigeria. According to him, unlocking this potential would not only bridge energy poverty in rural communities but also create jobs, boost industries, and transform the economy.
Managing Director/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, in his remarks, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to mobilising private sector participation through targeted programmes. He explained that the state-by-state roundtable is designed to highlight specific opportunities across the federation and deepen partnerships that will unlock investments in renewable energy. “This roundtable is not just about talk,” he said. “It is about action — creating concrete opportunities for investors and state governments to partner with us in delivering affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity to Nigerians.”
Also speaking, Engineer (Dr.) Atiku Abubakar Tambawal, former Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria and current Board Member of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), appealed to renewable energy firms to consider investing in Sokoto. He dismissed fears about insecurity, stressing that the state remains stable and conducive for business. “Excuses about insecurity no longer hold; Sokoto today is 90 percent secure,” he maintained, adding that investors should focus instead on the enormous opportunities waiting to be tapped in solar energy, mini-grids, and other clean power solutions across the state.
Tambawal further noted that Sokoto, in partnership with REA, has demonstrated strong support for private investors through existing rural electrification programmes and funding mechanisms. He disclosed that more than 2,000 renewable energy projects, including solar mini-grids, are in the pipeline to boost electricity access for underserved communities across the state.
Officials at the event stressed that Nigeria’s electricity challenge cannot be overcome by government alone. They maintained that partnerships with the private sector, development agencies, and state governments remain critical to scaling up renewable energy deployment and achieving inclusive economic growth.
