Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, has flagged off the groundbreaking ceremony for the 3.5-megawatt (MW) solar power project designed to strengthen electricity infrastructure and improve power supply across the state.
The ceremony, held on Sunday in Ambursa, marked the commencement of the Lot 7 Design, Supply and Installation of a 33kV Power Infrastructure Project being implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
Speaking at the event, Governor Idris reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnering with the REA to improve electricity access and enhance service delivery in the state’s power sector.
He described electricity as the backbone of economic development, noting that the project would provide 3.5MW of clean solar energy supported by battery storage systems to ensure uninterrupted power supply even after sunset.
According to the governor, the project will significantly improve electricity supply, stimulate economic activities and enhance the quality of life for residents.
Idris commended the Rural Electrification Agency and the project’s contractors, Kelm Elicon Joint Venture, for their commitment to delivering the initiative.
He disclosed that the Kebbi State Government had provided the project site free of charge and urged the contractors to ensure quality execution and complete the project within the agreed timeframe.
The governor also appealed to residents of Ambursa and neighbouring communities to protect the facilities and cooperate with the contractors throughout the implementation period.
Earlier, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved a $750 million facility for the agency to implement interconnected mini-grid projects across the country.
Aliyu said about $10 million would be invested in the Kebbi project, which is expected to provide reliable electricity to more than 1,000 households and critical public infrastructure, including the Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Kobeissi Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Ltd., Ali Kobeissi, assured that the project would be completed within eight months.
He called on members of the host communities to support the contractors to ensure the successful execution of the project.
The 3.5MW solar power project is expected to expand access to clean energy, strengthen the state’s electricity network and support economic growth through improved and reliable power supply
