by George Ozalla
The Rural Electrification Agency has on Wednesday last week successfully hosted a strategic roundtable on energy expansion for Borno State at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, bringing together federal officials, development partners, private-sector actors, and energy experts to review ongoing electrification efforts and outline the next phase of support for communities rebuilding from conflict. Borno State was represented by the Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur, who stood in for Governor Babagana Umara Zulum and conveyed the administration’s commitment to accelerating access to reliable power.
In his remarks, Deputy Governor Kadafur reaffirmed that energy remains an indispensable pillar of Borno’s reconstruction and development agenda. He noted that without sustained investment in electricity infrastructure, the state cannot fully stabilise or revive its local economy. He emphasised that small businesses, schools, hospitals, agro-processing activities, water systems, and security operations all depend on dependable power supply. According to him, Governor Zulum’s administration has already demonstrated political will by supporting federal projects and will continue to align its priorities with national energy plans.
The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency commended Governor Zulum for what he described as strong leadership and consistent collaboration, adding that Borno’s resilience and willingness to engage make the state a priority in the agency’s national programme. He explained that the roundtable was designed to evaluate progress on ongoing mini-grid installations, solar solutions for public institutions, and electrification support for rural communities, especially those recovering from displacement. He said the agency remains committed to delivering sustainable, scalable power solutions that boost livelihoods and strengthen community resilience.
Development partners and technical experts provided updates on project timelines, field assessments, and prospective areas for expanded investment. They stressed the importance of reliable electricity in the humanitarian-to-development transition and called for stronger coordination among stakeholders to avoid duplication and ensure long-term sustainability. Several speakers also underscored the need for community involvement in protecting installations, supporting maintenance, and tailoring solutions to local realities.
Deputy Governor Kadafur assured participants that Borno State will continue to provide all necessary institutional and security support to facilitate project delivery. He said the administration is prepared for deeper collaboration with federal agencies and investors as improved energy access remains central to the state’s broader goals of reconstruction, economic renewal, and social stability.
According to the Rural Electrification Agency, the outcomes of the roundtable will guide an updated implementation framework for energy projects across Borno, with a renewed commitment to expanding access in underserved communities and strengthening partnerships that drive long-term recovery and development.
