by George Ozalla
Investors and participants at the Rural Electrification Agency state-by-state roundtable for Gombe State met at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, yesterday to explore strategies for expanding renewable energy access and shaping a state electricity market capable of driving socio-economic development.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya described the roundtable as a timely intervention to convert Gombe’s abundant solar resources, expansive land, and relative peace into productive economic assets. He highlighted recent state initiatives, including the deployment of solar streetlights and rehabilitation of solar systems in schools and health centres, and affirmed the government’s readiness to fast-track land allocation, approvals, and security guarantees for bankable projects.
Dr Abba Abubakar Aliyu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, outlined REA’s strategic instruments for accelerating off-grid and mini-grid deployment, including funding windows, technical standards enforcement, and market enablement measures to make state markets investment-ready. He emphasised the agency’s commitment to scaling solar home systems, mini-grids, and productive-use electrification in underserved communities.
During the roundtable, the Gombe State Government and REA signed a memorandum of understanding to commence joint project development and technical collaboration. Immediate priorities include preparing a pipeline of bankable projects and piloting mini-grid and institutional solar schemes in priority local government areas.
Private sector participants highlighted Gombe as a promising frontier for clean energy investment, citing favourable demand projections, opportunities for productive-use electrification, and potential for local manufacturing linkages. They urged harmonisation of regulatory incentives, clear taxation, and expedited permitting to reduce time to financial close for projects.
The event marked the 20th state engagement in REA’s nationwide Clean Energy Market Roundtable initiative, designed to catalyse public-private partnerships, foster regulatory readiness at the subnational level, and attract private capital for distributed renewable energy solutions. Near-term deliverables include site feasibility assessments for pilot mini-grids, development of a state electrification investment prospectus, timelines for regulatory steps to operationalise the Gombe State Electricity Law, and collaborative efforts to mobilise financing.
The Rural Electrification Agency is the federal institution responsible for expanding electricity access across Nigeria using market-based solutions, including mini-grids, solar home systems, and productive-use electrification. REA’s state engagements align federal support with subnational priorities, streamline approvals for off-grid investments, and create conditions for sustainable private sector participation in electricity markets.
