The Yobe State Government has secured a $5 million (about N7 billion) grant from the World Bank to implement solar-powered projects across key health and educational institutions in the state.
The initiative will provide rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to six critical facilities, aimed at improving power supply and service delivery.
Announcing the development in Damaturu over the weekend, Mustapha Abba Geidam, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Energy, said the grant followed a partnership facilitated by Mai Mala Bun Governor of Yobe state between the Federal Rural Electrification Agency and the World Bank.
He explained that the project is designed to enhance efficiency and support sustainable development in the state.
The benefiting institutions include specialist and general hospitals in Potiskum, Buni-Yadi, Geidam, and Nguru, as well as the Umar Suleiman College of Education, Nguru, and Yobe State University.
Geidam noted that the intervention seeks to tackle persistent power outages and the high cost of diesel used to run multiple generators in the facilities.
He lamented that unreliable electricity has significantly affected healthcare delivery, adding that the solar PV systems would provide clean, reliable, and cost-effective energy, ensuring uninterrupted services and reduced operational costs.
According to him, the project followed feasibility studies and energy needs assessments, which confirmed the suitability of most buildings for rooftop installations, alongside provisions for ground-mounted systems where necessary.
He added that the project document has been submitted to Abba Aliyu, the Managing Director of the Yobe Rural Electrification Agency, for immediate implementation.
The state government described the initiative as a major step in transforming Yobe’s energy landscape, improving public services, and promoting renewable energy adoption.
It also expressed appreciation to the World Bank and the Rural Electrification Agency for their support, reaffirming its commitment to the successful execution of the project.
