Posted by Chinenye on Thu 05th Nov, 2026 - tori.ng
Residents of Zamfara State may soon enjoy better electricity as the government begins building 37 solar power stations across seven local government areas.
(Dauda Lawal. Photo by Zamfara State Government)
The REA has started building 37 local solar power station in Zamfara State.
Once finished, they will connect 125,106 households across seven local government areas and produce about 18.8 megawatts-peak of solar power.
The areas are Gummi, Gusau, Kaura Namoda, Maradun, Shinkafi, Tsafe and Zurmi.
The projects include two linked mini-grids and 35 standalone ones.
REA estimates that more than 625,000 people could benefit, based on an average of five people per household.
REA shared the update in a statement on Thursday, a day after a groundbreaking ceremony.
The event also saw the launch of the Zamfara State Electricity Policy.
The state and REA signed an agreement to bring solar power to public hospitals, schools and other key government buildings.
Governor Dauda Lawal said the new policy will help build a fair and investor-friendly electricity market.
He said reliable power is key to farming, industry, healthcare, education and jobs.
Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe said the projects show federal support for power that is closer to communities, and for states that want a bigger role in the electricity sector.
He said the Electricity Act 2023 allows states to build and regulate their own power markets.
Government, he added, will back states that take real steps to attract private money.
Tegbe said power should do more than light homes. It should also run hospitals, schools, farms, businesses and public services.
REA Managing Director Dr Abba Aliyu said the Zamfara plan goes beyond single projects.
It is aimed at building a full power market with good infrastructure, clear rules and private investment.
He warned that power projects will fail without clear policies, fair pricing and strong regulation.
He also said the solar deal for public buildings will cut costs for hospitals and schools, while creating steady demand that makes renewable projects more profitable.
Aliyu linked the project to a $750 million World Bank programme.
That programme aims to bring power to about 17.5 million Nigerians through around 1,350 mini-grids and other renewable options.
At the event, Tegbe also commissioned two solar mini-grids built by the state.
One is a 1MW plant at Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital.
The other is a 1.2MW plant that powers Government House.
This set up can generate 2.2MW of power at any given time and store extra 3MW in large batteries for later use.
The event also introduced 100 electric taxis, 10 electric tricycles to transport mothers to health clinics, and 2 buses that run on natural gas, which were donated by a government clean energy program