- Gombe State has signed an MoU with China Railway 18th Bureau Group to develop a 100-megawatt solar energy plant to boost local energy self-sufficiency.
- Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya emphasised the project’s potential to create jobs and improve electricity supply, especially in light of recent regional power outages.
The Gombe State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Railway 18th Bureau Group to develop a 100-megawatt solar energy plant to enhance the state’s energy self-sufficiency. The agreement was finalised over the weekend following discussions between Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and top engineering firm executives during their recent visit to China.
The MoU was signed by Sanusi Ahmad Pindiga, Gombe’s Commissioner of Energy and Mineral Resources, and Wan Lian Yu, the Group Managing Director of China Railway 18th Bureau. At the signing ceremony held at the Government House in Gombe, Governor Yahaya emphasised the critical role of local power generation in stimulating economic growth and addressing persistent power outages.
“I am pleased to welcome the management of China 18th Bureau to Gombe as a continuation of our discussions in China. This MoU marks the start of a transformative project that will enhance electricity supply and promote prosperity for our people,” Yahaya stated. He added that the agreement would soon progress to a formal contract, laying the foundation for project implementation.
The governor noted that the project is expected to create jobs, attract investments, and provide a reliable energy source, especially in light of the recent nationwide blackout that affected Gombe and other northern regions. He emphasised the potential of local power stations and alternative energy sources to alleviate such disruptions.
Governor Yahaya also highlighted the new Electricity Act, which empowers states to generate, distribute, and market their electricity, reducing reliance on the national grid. “This partnership with China Railway 18th Bureau reflects our commitment to sustainable energy solutions and economic resilience, with solar energy offering a reliable, eco-friendly alternative to meet our growing energy needs,” he remarked.
Mr. Xue Dewen, General Manager of China Railway 18th Bureau Group, expressed confidence in the company’s ability to deliver a high-quality solar energy system and commended Governor Yahaya’s vision for energy independence and economic development. “We are fully prepared to execute this project to the highest standards,” he assured.
Key officials attended the signing event, including Chief of Staff Abubakar Inuwa Kari, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Zubair Muhammad Umar, and Commissioner of Trade, Industry and Tourism Nasiru Mohammed Aliyu.