The Gombe State Government has signed an MoU with China Railway 18th Bureau Group to develop a 100-megawatt solar energy plant, advancing the state’s energy self-sufficiency. This collaboration marks a significant step toward sustainable energy for Gombe.
Gombe Partners with China Railway 18th Bureau for Solar Energy Plant
The Gombe State Government has taken a bold step toward energy self-sufficiency by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Railway 18th Bureau Group. This collaboration aims to establish a 100-megawatt solar energy plant in Gombe, a project that will be a major milestone in the state's journey toward sustainable energy.
China Railway 18th Bureau Group — an international engineering firm recognized for its expertise in infrastructure and energy projects — brings its wealth of experience to support Gombe in this transformative effort. The MoU was signed at a ceremony held at the Government House in Gombe, marking a significant milestone in the state’s energy sector.
Commissioner of Energy and Mineral Resources, Sanusi Ahmad Pindiga, signed the agreement on behalf of Gombe State, while Wan Lian Yu, the Group Managing Director of China Railway 18th Bureau, represented the company. The signing followed Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s recent engagements with senior officials of the Chinese company during his visit to China, aimed at discussing potential investments in Gombe.
Governor Yahaya’s Vision for Energy Independence
Speaking at the signing event, Governor Inuwa Yahaya highlighted the importance of local power generation to the state's economic growth. He noted that Gombe’s reliance on the national grid has often left the state vulnerable to power shortages, which disrupt businesses and daily life. “Today, we are hosting the management of the China 18th Bureau here in Gombe as a direct follow-up to our initial discussions in China,” Yahaya stated.
The governor explained that this partnership will soon move to a formal contract phase, setting the groundwork for the construction of the solar energy plant. Once completed, the project is expected to create jobs, attract new investments, and establish a reliable power source for Gombe and the surrounding northeastern region.
Governor Yahaya also referenced the recent nationwide blackout that affected Gombe and other parts of northern Nigeria. He stressed the importance of local power generation and renewable energy sources, such as solar energy, to provide a dependable solution to such crises.
With the new Electricity Act granting states more control over electricity generation, distribution, and sales, Gombe now has the opportunity to forge a path toward energy independence. "This partnership with China Railway 18th Bureau demonstrates our commitment to sustainable energy solutions and economic resilience," Yahaya said.
China Railway 18th Bureau’s Commitment to Quality
The 100-megawatt solar energy plant represents a significant leap forward for Gombe's energy infrastructure. By focusing on solar energy, the project aims to tap into Nigeria’s abundant sunlight, providing an eco-friendly alternative to conventional power sources. Solar energy is renewable and sustainable, offering a clean power source that aligns with global trends toward greener energy solutions.
Mr. Xue Dewen, General Manager of China Railway 18th Bureau Group’s international engineering division, expressed his company’s commitment to delivering a high-quality solar energy system for Gombe. He praised Governor Yahaya's vision, which prioritizes energy independence and economic growth. “Our company is fully prepared to execute this project with the highest standards,” Dewen stated.
The event was attended by prominent officials from both Gombe State and China Railway 18th Bureau, including Chief of Staff Abubakar Inuwa Kari, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Zubair Muhammad Umar, and Commissioner of Trade, Industry, and Tourism Nasiru Mohammed Aliyu. The presence of key officials underscored the importance of this partnership and the collective commitment to Gombe’s energy future.
The 100-megawatt solar energy plant in Gombe is expected to boost the local economy, create jobs, and support new industries, thereby bringing widespread benefits to the region. This transformative project positions Gombe as a leader in sustainable energy, providing an inspiring model for economic growth and environmental progress across Nigeria.