How my govt electrified 400 rural communities, procured 100 transformers in Yobe – Buni

Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has said his leadership has been able to electrified over 400 rural communities across the three senatorial districts since the post insurgency in the state.

The Governor also revealed that over 100 transformers ranging from 300kVA to 500kVA across various communities, healthcare centres, educational institutions, and densely populated areas, were procured and installed by his government.

Speaking Thursday in Abuja during the Yobe State Energy Sector Investment and Partnership Roundtable discussions to deepen collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), governor Buni also revealed that his government has engaged consultants to develop the Yobe State Electricity Policy and the Yobe State Electricity Bill 2025 to draft documents which are currently under review and will soon be transmitted to the Yobe State House of Assembly for passage into law.

The Governor said: “We have electrified over 400 rural communities across the three senatorial zones, connecting them to the national grid. We have extended 33kV and 11kV distribution lines to underserved and insurgency-affected communities, including the restoration of power supply in Gujba East.

“A new feeder line has also been constructed from the 330/132/33kV transmission facility to ensure uninterrupted power supply to Yobe State University and the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital. In a historic move, we achieved the first-ever connection of Gulani Local Government Area to the national grid since its creation in 1991, was while Kanama is nearing completion.

“We continue to rehabilitate and upgrade dysfunctional transformers and existing infrastructure in response to the increasing demand caused by population growth and the improved stability across the state.”

On the push towards renewable energy, the Yobe state government it has supported the 400KW phase of a 1MVA solar mini-grid project at the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital’s Maternity Complex, provided by the Federal Ministry of Power.

“We also provided logistics support for mounting and commissioning of a 132/33kV 60MVA transformer at the Damaturu transmission substation.

“Additionally, we have installed over 7,000 units of 100W integrated all in one solar streetlights across key towns including Damaturu, Potiskum, Buni Yadi, Geidam, Gashua, and Nguru. Several estates and critical locations—such as the NYSC Camp in Dazigau, Don Etebet Estate, Nyanya Housing Estate, Obasanjo Housing Estate, and others—have also benefited from these solar installations.”

He, however, called on the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency to support the state efforts with 20 distribution transformers and 1,000 solar street lights to enhance energy access and security in our post insurgency recovery programme.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Engr. Abbas Aliyu, said his organization has conducted a round-table discussion with eleven states on effort to ensure regular supply of electricity across the country.