- The importance of local power generation in driving economic growth and addressing frequent power outages
The Gombe State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China18th Engineering, an international engineering firm known for large-scale infrastructure and energy projects, to build a 100-megawatt solar energy plant as part of efforts to increase the state’s energy self-sufficiency.
This agreement was signed following recent meetings between Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and top executives from China Railway 18th Bureau Group in China.
Sanusi Ahmad Pindiga, Commissioner of Energy and Mineral Resources, signed on behalf of the Gombe State Government, and Wan Lian Yu, Group Managing Director, signed for his company.
The Governor, speaking at the signing event at the Government House, Gombe, on Saturday, spoke on the importance of local power generation in driving economic growth and addressing frequent power outages.
According to him, “I am happy that today, we are hosting the management of the China 18th Bureau here in Gombe as a direct follow-up to our initial discussions in China.”
“The MoU signifies the beginning of a transformative project that will boost electricity supply and bring prosperity to our people,” Inuwa said.
He added that the agreement will soon advance to a formal contract phase, setting the groundwork for project implementation.
“With the execution of this project, we anticipate the creation of jobs, increased investments, and a reliable energy supply that will drive prosperity in Gombe and the northeast,” he stated.
The Governor also referenced the recent nationwide blackout that affected Gombe and other parts of Northern Nigeria, emphasizing that local power stations and alternative energy sources could mitigate such disruptions.
He stressed that his government is taking advantage of the newly enacted Electricity Act, which grants states the authority to generate, distribute, and market their own electricity, reducing dependence on the national grid.
Inuwa stressed that, “This partnership with China Railway 18th Bureau demonstrates our commitment to sustainable energy solutions and economic resilience, with solar energy poised to become a reliable, eco-friendly alternative for the our growing energy demands.”
The General Manager, International Engineering Company China Railway 18th Bureau Group, Mr. Xue Dewen, expressed confidence in his company’s ability to deliver a high-quality solar energy system, praising the Governor Inuwa’s vision for energy independence and economic development in the state.
“Our company is fully prepared to execute this project with the highest standards,” he assured.
The event was attended by the 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, among other officials from both sides as contained in a statement by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General, (Press Affairs), Government House, Gombe.
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