Fintiri breaks ground for five solar mini-grid projects in Adamawa
By Nicodemus Mikailu
The Adamawa state government has launched the construction of five isolated solar mini-grid projects aimed at expanding electricity access to rural communities, with Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri describing the initiative as a major step towards inclusive development and economic transformation.
Speaking on Monday at the symbolic groundbreaking ceremony in Shuwa, Madagali local government area, Fintiri said the projects would provide clean, affordable and reliable electricity to thousands of residents, businesses, schools and healthcare facilities across the state.
The governor said the latest projects followed similar groundbreaking ceremonies held within the past 48 hours for solar mini-grids in Kofare, Mbamba, Saminaka, Michika and Baza, describing the developments as evidence of a “new dawn” in Adamawa’s electricity sector.
He traced the state’s renewable energy drive to its participation in the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Renewable Energy Roundtable on 3 March 2025, which he said paved the way for partnerships that have attracted major investments into the state.
The projects include a 2.5MW isolated solar mini-grid in Gulak, Madagali local government area; a 315kWp mini-grid in Shuwa, Madagali; a 265kWp facility in Kwakwa’ah, Hong; a 216kWp project in Kuva Gaya, Hong; and a 170kWp mini-grid in Dirdiu, Ganye local government area.
Fintiri said the projects represented more than the installation of energy infrastructure, describing them as strategic investments designed to stimulate rural economies, improve living standards and ensure that underserved communities are not left behind in the state’s development agenda.
“When completed, these five mini-grid projects will provide clean, affordable and reliable electricity to thousands of households, schools, healthcare facilities, markets, places of worship and small and medium-sized enterprises,” he said.
According to the governor, improved electricity supply would boost agricultural productivity, strengthen healthcare and education services, promote digital inclusion, enhance security and create employment opportunities across the benefiting communities.
He commended Startimes Nigeria Limited, the developer of the projects, for partnering with the state government to deliver renewable energy infrastructure, saying the company’s investment underscored the importance of private sector participation in accelerating development.
Fintiri also praised the Rural Electrification Agency for facilitating the projects under its rural electrification programme and acknowledged the financial support provided through the World Bank-funded initiative aimed at expanding electricity access to underserved communities across Nigeria.
The governor further expressed appreciation to the World Bank for supporting renewable energy development and commended the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for policies that encourage investment in rural electrification and clean energy.
He also recognised the contributions of traditional rulers, community leaders, religious leaders, women and youth groups for creating an enabling environment for the successful commencement of the projects.
Fintiri urged Startimes Nigeria Limited and the implementation team to deliver the projects on schedule while maintaining high standards of quality, professionalism and safety. He also encouraged the engagement of local workers to generate employment and strengthen community ownership.
Calling on residents of Shuwa, Gulak, Kwakwa’ah, Kuva Gaya and Dirdiu to safeguard the facilities, the governor said the success of the projects would depend on the collective commitment of host communities.
He said the solar mini-grid initiative demonstrated what could be achieved through collaboration between governments, development partners, financial institutions, the private sector and local communities.
The governor officially declared the projects open for construction, expressing optimism that they would usher in a new era of sustainable energy, economic prosperity and social development across the benefiting communities and the wider Adamawa state.