- The Federal Government has commissioned a 1MW solar mini-grid in Talasse, Gombe State, to provide electricity to about 6,000 households and businesses after more than 17 years without national grid access.
- Gombe State plans to develop additional solar mini-grids with a combined capacity of 4MW and equip communities with agro-processing machinery to stimulate economic activities and create jobs.
The Federal Government has commissioned a 1-megawatt (MW) solar mini-grid in Talasse, Balanga Local Government Area of Gombe State, to provide electricity to approximately 6,000 households and businesses after more than 17 years without connection to the national grid.
At the commissioning ceremony on Saturday, October 17, 2026, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, urged residents to protect the facility against vandalism, theft and illegal activities that could undermine its long-term operation.
“These assets have been built for you, for your benefit and for the posterity of generations to come. I urge you to protect them. Do not allow vandals or other criminals to destroy what has been provided for our collective good,” Mr Tegbe said.
The minister said reliable electricity would enable local businesses to operate more efficiently, improve livelihoods and create economic opportunities for young people. He also commended the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the project developer, the Gombe State Government, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders for their contributions.
Mr Tegbe added that the project aligned with the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding electricity access, strengthening energy security and advancing sustainable development through renewable energy solutions.
Gombe Expands Rural Electrification Programme
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya described the commissioning as a milestone in his administration’s efforts to expand reliable and affordable electricity access across rural communities.
He said construction of the Talasse project began on November 6, 2025, and the project reached completion in less than a year. Before the intervention, residents had relied on expensive alternative energy sources, while the absence of grid electricity constrained economic activities.
The governor disclosed that the state planned to develop additional solar mini-grid projects with a combined capacity of 4MW in Akko, Dukku, Funakaye and Kaltungo local government areas.
He also reported that ongoing projects in Filiya and Gelengu had reached 90 per cent completion. According to him, the broader rural electrification programme aims to improve electricity access in 80 communities across the state.
Solar Power to Support Agro-Processing and Jobs
Beyond electricity generation, the Gombe State Government plans to support productive economic activities by providing communities with equipment such as rice milling machines, electric flour grinders and groundnut oil-processing machines.
Governor Yahaya said the equipment would promote agro-processing, reduce production costs and create employment opportunities. The approach seeks to connect improved electricity access with local production and economic development.
The governor also urged residents to maintain the mini-grid responsibly and prevent theft, vandalism and illegal connections that could disrupt electricity supply and damage the investment.
He commended the Federal Government, the Rural Electrification Agency, the World Bank, technical partners and the Talasse community for supporting the project.
The commissioning marks a significant step in efforts to extend renewable electricity to underserved communities in Gombe State, while the planned mini-grids and productive-use equipment could further support rural businesses, agricultural processing and employment.