February 12, (THEWILL) – Stakeholders across the Northeast have called on governors of the six states in the region to invest heavily in alternative energy sources to tackle the persistent power deficit and frequent outages affecting residents.
Speaking at a one-day Northeast Stakeholders’ Advocacy Engagement on the Electricity Act, organized by the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Association Alliance in Maiduguri, the Chairman of the region’s Electricity Act Committee, Dr. Immamudeen Talba, underscored the urgency of adopting renewable energy solutions.
Talba, an ex-officio member of REEEAA’s Governing Council, highlighted the vast potential of solar, wind, and hydroelectric power across the region and urged policymakers, energy experts, and private investors to prioritize renewable energy as a sustainable solution.
“To address these challenges, stakeholders urge the state governments to implement policies that attract renewable energy investments, offer incentives to private investors, and streamline regulatory frameworks,” Talba stated.
He also emphasised the need for increased community involvement, training local populations to operate and maintain renewable energy systems.
“All six states have abundant renewable energy resources. Taraba, for instance, has significant hydroelectric potential, including the long-delayed Mambilla power project. If the Federal Government lacks the funds to execute it, the governors should consider taking it up,” he added.
Talba further noted that Borno has strong solar energy potential, while Bauchi and Gombe possess gas reserves.
He called for a joint regional approach to power generation, suggesting that the states could collaborate on a shared energy project and secure international funding to generate at least 3,000 megawatts—enough to serve the entire region.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary and Solicitor General of Taraba State, Barr. Sunday Maikarfi, revealed that the Taraba State Renewable Energy Bill is currently before the State House of Assembly and would soon be passed into law.
“With the full implementation of the law, Taraba may no longer need to rely on federal allocations. Renewable energy will not only provide electricity but also create employment and diversify the economy,” Maikarfi said.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary for Transport and Energy in Borno State, Mohammed Bukar El-Sadiq, described the regional meeting as a crucial step toward sustainable energy solutions, emphasising collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, and development partners to drive the transition to clean energy.
