By Hajara Usman
The Federal Government has implemented a number of power-sector interventions in Gombe State aimed at improving electricity supply, expanding distribution infrastructure and increasing access to power across communities, the commissioner for Energy in the state has said.
Alh. Sunusi Ahmed-Pindiga Commissioner of Energy and Mineral Resources monday in an interview with our Correspondent disclosed that the interventions were being implemented through the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
According to him, interventions carried out through NDPHC include the construction and installation of a 1×7.5MVA injection substation at MBIP, as well as the deployment of two 60MVA transformers and their accessories at the facility.
He said the Federal Government also provided 10 units of 500KVA transformers, while 2.5 kilometres of high-tension (HT) lines and 18 kilometres of low-tension (LT) lines were constructed as part of efforts to strengthen electricity distribution in the state.
The commissioner further disclosed that the Federal Government through REA in collaboration with Gombe state government had undertaken renewable-energy projects in three locations across Gombe State.
“These include the construction and installation of a 1MW solar power mini-grid at Talasse in Balanga a 650KVA solar power mini-grid at Filiya in Shongom , and a 300KVA solar hybrid plant at Balanga Dam in Balanga Local Government Areas,” he said.
He added that previous interventions by NDPHC during the 2024/2025 period included the provision of 15 units of 50KVA CSP transformers.
Ahmed said the interventions represented significant investments by the Federal Government in strengthening Gombe State’s electricity infrastructure and extending access to reliable power, particularly in underserved communities.
He noted that the combination of conventional electricity infrastructure and renewable-energy projects would help expand access to electricity while supporting economic and social activities across the state.
Also,consumers and small-scale business owners in Gombe State have commended the Federal Government for the improved electricity supply in the state, describing the development as a significant boost to economic and social activities.
The residents said Gombe currently enjoys one of the most stable power supplies in the North-East, noting that, in their assessment, no other state in the region compares with it in terms of electricity availability and reliability.
Mal. Yusha’u Muhammad, a grinding machine operator, said he was no longer worried about his electricity bill because of the stability of power supply.
“I don’t care much about the power bill because electricity is stable. The number of people patronising my shop every week is enough to cover the monthly power bill,” he said.
Muhammad thanked the government at all levels for the improvement and also commended the Gombe State Government for its efforts in facilitating the development.
Also speaking, Mrs. Maryam Yakubu, an ice-block dealer, said the stability of electricity supply, particularly following the installation of a new transformer in her area, had significantly boosted her business.
“Power has been stable, especially with the installation of the new transformer in our area. It has made my business boom,” she said.
Also Mr. Moses Pawa, a civil servant, said he was recently transferred out of Gombe State and became concerned about whether he would enjoy a similar level of electricity supply at his new place of work.
“To God be the glory, the transfer was cancelled. To be sincere, we are enjoying stable power supply in Gombe,” he said.
