The Gombe State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Railway 18th Bureau Group to establish a 100-megawatt solar energy plant aimed at enhancing energy independence and economic development. This agreement, reached at the Government House in Gombe, aligns with Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions, leveraging Nigeria’s new Electricity Act that empowers states to generate and distribute their own electricity.
The signing ceremony saw Gombe State’s Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Sanusi Ahmad Pindiga, and China Railway 18th Bureau’s Group Managing Director, Wan Lian Yu, representing their respective entities. Key officials from both sides attended, including Gombe State’s Chief of Staff, Abubakar Inuwa Kari; the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Zubair Muhammad Umar; and the Commissioner for Trade, Industry, and Tourism, Nasiru Mohammed Aliyu, mni.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya emphasized the project’s transformative potential for Gombe and northern Nigeria, highlighting that it builds on recent discussions held during his official visit to China. He stated that the project represents a significant step towards energy security, expected to generate employment, attract investments, and support economic resilience in the region.
“I am delighted to host the management of China Railway 18th Bureau for the formalization of this partnership, which signifies a shift towards a reliable energy landscape for our people,” Governor Yahaya remarked. “This project will help secure a stable electricity supply and drive economic growth. We aim to reduce our dependence on the national grid and position Gombe as a leader in sustainable energy,” he added.
The Governor referenced the recent nationwide blackout that affected Gombe and underscored the importance of state-driven energy solutions in mitigating such disruptions. With local power generation, Gombe can better manage supply disruptions and reduce reliance on the national grid.
Mr. Xue Dewen, General Manager of China Railway 18th Bureau, expressed confidence in the company’s ability to deliver a high-quality solar energy system that aligns with international standards. “We are fully committed to supporting Gombe State’s energy goals. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to a sustainable, prosperous future, and we look forward to delivering a solar plant that will benefit the people of Gombe,” he stated.
The MoU will soon advance to a formal contract phase, setting the groundwork for project implementation. The plant is anticipated to provide socio-economic benefits, including job creation and improved power infrastructure, further solidifying Gombe’s commitment to sustainable development and economic growth.
