Kebbi State Governor Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris flagged off construction of a 33kV power infrastructure project in Ambursa this week, part of a 3.5 megawatt solar power initiative being developed in partnership with Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA). The ceremony marks the start of work on Lot 7 of the project, covering the design, supply, and installation of the infrastructure.
Idris said his administration’s collaboration with REA is aimed at improving electricity delivery across the state. He described the completed project as capable of supplying 3.5 megawatts of solar energy, paired with battery storage that would keep power available after dark. The governor called electricity central to economic development and credited the Kelm Elicon Joint Venture, REA’s implementing partner, for carrying out the work. He said the state government supplied the project site to the joint venture at no cost, and asked the contractors to complete the work to a high standard within the agreed timeframe. He also urged residents of Ambursa to support the project and protect the infrastructure once it’s built.
REA Managing Director/CEO Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu said the project is part of a broader $750 million allocation approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for interconnected mini-grid development nationwide. He said roughly $10 million of that funding is earmarked for the Kebbi State project specifically, which is expected to serve more than 1,000 households as well as the Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi.
Ali Kobeissi, Chief Executive Officer of Kobeissi Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Ltd., said the project is expected to be completed within eight months, and asked communities set to benefit from the project to cooperate with contractors during construction.