Power crisis: Fintiri set up Adamawa electricity commission

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has moved to address the state’s persistent power supply challenges with the establishment of the Adamawa State Electricity Regulatory Commission.

The commission is designed to provide a legal and regulatory framework for the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity across the state.

Fintiri also nominated Bako Alhaji Rabiu as chairman of the commission, alongside Shanti Victoria Sashi and Adamu Jibrilla as commissioners, and forwarded their names to the Adamawa State House of Assembly for confirmation.

According to the governor, the commission is expected to explore the abundant power resources available in Adamawa State and support efforts to generate more reliable electricity for residents.

The initiative is also expected to create a framework for improved electricity supply, with the broader aim of stimulating economic activities and improving the quality of life of residents.

The establishment of the commission comes against the backdrop of the state government’s earlier efforts to expand alternative power sources, particularly solar energy.

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In November 2024, former Permanent Secretary in the Adamawa State Ministry of Information, Solomon Kwamanga, told Arewa Punch that the Fintiri administration had embraced solar power as an alternative to hydropower generation because of the high cost associated with developing large-scale hydropower projects.

Kwamanga said the state government had commenced the installation of solar power systems in government-owned institutions and on streets in the state capital as part of efforts to address the power challenge.

“Already, major streets in Yola, the state capital, are powered with solar systems through which the people enjoy electricity supply all night,” he said.

Commenting on the global shift towards renewable energy, Kwamanga said Adamawa would not be left behind as the world increasingly embraced renewable sources of power.

He identified solar energy as a suitable alternative for the state, particularly in efforts to complement existing electricity sources.

On the Kiri Dam hydropower project initiated by former governor Murtala Nyako, Kwamanga said the state lacked the financial resources required to undertake such a major project.