- The Bauchi State government and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have teamed up to address the region’s energy challenges, focusing on renewable energy and economic growth.
- Governor Bala Mohammed announced plans to utilise Bauchi’s coal resources and solar energy for sustainable power generation while enhancing electricity access for SMEs and rural communities.
The Bauchi State government and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) are teaming up to tackle the region’s increasing energy demands, as Governor Bala Mohammed made a landmark visit to the REA headquarters in Abuja.
This visit comes as northern Nigeria grapples with a severe electricity crisis that has stifled socio-economic progress. Many states, including Bauchi, are turning to the Electricity Act to address the challenges linked to the national grid.
During the visit, REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu highlighted the transformative power of rural electrification, noting its positive effects on sectors such as education, healthcare, and broader community development. He pointed out the successful completion of a $550 million electrification project funded by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, which brought electricity to underserved areas. Aliyu also revealed that the next phase of electrification, valued at $750 million, will focus on private-sector-driven initiatives.
Aliyu emphasized that the REA actively engages states through discussions and partnerships, connects governors with renewable energy companies, and manages portfolios worth over $2 billion. The agency has electrified more than eight million Nigerians through 156 mini-grids and continues to extend its reach.
Governor Mohammed expressed Bauchi’s eagerness to collaborate with the REA, highlighting the state’s potential for energy development. He mentioned Bauchi’s wealth of resources, including abundant coal deposits, and emphasised plans to adopt innovative in-situ methods for power generation. The governor also underscored the state’s commitment to renewable energy, particularly solar-powered irrigation systems for farmers, which align with the goals of sustainability and cost-efficiency.
Governor Mohammed further outlined initiatives to improve energy access for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), stressing that reliable electricity is essential for economic growth. He noted that the North East Development Commission (NEDC) will play a key role in electricity generation and distribution in the region, marking an important step toward addressing the energy deficit in the North East, where millions still lack access to stable power.
At the event, the REA and Bauchi state officials committed to working together to identify priority communities for electrification projects. They plan to leverage data and partner with private developers to advance these initiatives.