Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has approved the establishment of a Rural Electrification Commission (YOREC) to boost uninterrupted supply of electricity in the state’s dozens of rural areas.

According to him, people living in rural areas had been without electricity since the state was created on August 27, 1991.

Buni, represented by the Focal Person on Digital and Strategic Communications (DSGC), Yusuf Ali, said: “None of the rural communities, including the ones sharing the same borders with Niger, are yet to be linked to the national grid.”

Ali further revealed: “The governor also approved the appointments of the commission’s acting Chairman, Umara Mustapha Goniri, and other permanent members of the newly established commission.

Beyond the establishment of rural electrification agency (RUEA), the Focal Person stated: “YOREC is part of Buni’s administration of renewed commitment to sustainable, reliable and inclusive supply of electricity across the state, including the border communities of Geidam, Yusufari, Machina and Bade.

The establishment of the state commission followed the passage of a bill on YOREC by the State’s House of Assembly that repealed the defunct Rural Electrification Board (REB).

Ali explained that the bill’s legal framework was aimed at strengthening the Commission’s institutional capacity and efficiency, aligning with the emerging energy needs of rural dwellers and global best practices.

In enforcing the state’s new bill, the governor also approved the appointment of professionals, comprising Mohammed Mustapha, Hussaini Mamudo, and Mohammed Mai Babi, as permanent members of the state’s electricity board.

According to YOREC’s mandate, it will drive the deployment of renewable and alternative energy solutions, including solar mini-grids, wind and hydro power, and biomass systems.

The Focal Person stated that this will ensure an adequate, affordable, and sustainable electricity supply to underserved communities.

He noted that the rural electricity supply initiative aligns with Nigeria’s energy transition agenda and the global push for clean, renewable energy, including efforts to mitigate climate change.

Buni has continued to emphasise that access to electricity is fundamental to the socio-economic development of Yobe, stating that, “No meaningful development can take place without a reliable power supply to the various sectors of the local economy.”

The establishment of the commission also underscores the Buni administration’s commitment to people-centred projects and programmes that could sustain economic growth and development of the state.