By Fatima Saka
Engineer (Dr.) Atiku Abubakar Tambawal, Board Member of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and former Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, has called on renewable energy companies to take advantage of Sokoto State’s vast potential in clean energy development.
Speaking in an exclusive interview Distinct News Correspondent on Wednesday during the Rural Electrification Agency’s (REA) State-by-State Roundtable Engagement in Sokoto, Tambawal described the state as “abundantly blessed with renewable energy resources,” stressing that excuses often cited by firms, such as insecurity, no longer hold weight.
“From this event, we have seen presentations that clearly show that Sokoto is 90% secure. If companies can invest in Yobe and Maiduguri, there is no reason not to invest in Sokoto,” he said.
Tambawal noted that Sokoto State and the REA have demonstrated strong commitment to supporting private investors through rural electrification funds and programmes already on display.
He revealed that more than 2,000 renewable energy projects, including solar mini-grids, are anticipated in the state, which would significantly boost access to power.
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He emphasized the broader benefits, particularly for job creation. “Energy is key to development. Once there is energy, more private sector players will come in to set up industries, and by doing so, employment is automatically generated. Sokoto has been doing well already, but with more renewable energy companies coming in, the state will do much better,” Tambawal added.
The REA roundtable is part of ongoing engagements aimed at driving investment in decentralized power solutions across states to accelerate rural electrification and economic development.
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