The Nasarawa State government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Combined Agriculture and Renewable Energy Company Limited (CAREC) to conduct feasibility studies for solar power generation in selected locations across the state.

The initiative aims to improve electricity supply, stimulate agricultural activities, create employment opportunities and enhance food security.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lafia on Tuesday, Managing Director of the Nasarawa State Electricity Board (NASEB), Yakubu Suleiman, described the agreement as a significant step in Governor Abdullahi Sule’s efforts to expand access to clean, reliable and affordable electricity in the state.

Mr Suleiman said the MoU would provide the framework for CAREC to undertake comprehensive feasibility studies on solar power generation in selected communities across the three senatorial districts.

According to him, the studies will assess the technical viability of the proposed projects, resource availability, land and community considerations, as well as the scale of solar deployment required to serve the identified locations.

“Today’s ceremony is not simply the exchange of signatures on a document. It represents a shared commitment between government and a capable private-sector partner to jointly explore the feasibility of solar power generation across selected locations in Nasarawa State.

“The focus is on how such power can support community livelihoods, agriculture and public institutions in the areas where it will be deployed,” he said.

Mr Suleiman said the state government recognised that energy remained the foundation for sustainable development.

He noted that reliable electricity was critical for healthcare delivery, digital learning, business growth and value addition in agriculture.

The NASEB managing director said the government had intensified engagement with investors such as CAREC to drive renewable energy investments following the company’s proposal and the governor’s approval.

He listed the proposed project sites as Gudi Water Treatment Plant in Akwanga Local Government Area (6MW), Faculty of Engineering, Nasarawa State University, Keffi (2MW), Lafia Water Treatment Plant (2MW), College of Health Science and Technology, Keffi (2MW), and Doma Water Treatment Plant (3MW).

Mr Suleiman assured the company of the board’s full institutional support to ensure the successful completion of the feasibility studies.

Earlier, Inda Abdul, chairman of CAREC, represented by the executive vice chairman, Jatto Adams, commended the state government for the partnership and pledged the company’s commitment to delivering the project.

Mr Adams described the initiative as ambitious and capable of delivering lasting socio-economic benefits.

He said the partnership would involve the development of integrated agrivoltaics power plants across five strategic locations, combining solar energy generation with greenhouse farming for commercial-scale vegetable production.

According to him, the project will also establish agro-processing hubs for rice, sorghum, maize, sesame, cassava and millet to promote value addition and job creation.

He added that CAREC planned to develop waste-to-energy facilities in Doma and Lafia to convert agricultural waste into briquettes and compost, while also establishing assembly plants for solar generators, inverters, electric vehicles, hospital beds and pharmaceutical products through joint ventures with international partners.

Mr Adams assured the state of the company’s commitment to project financing, local content development, capacity building, environmental sustainability, and efficient operations and maintenance.

The general manager of the Nasarawa State Water Board, Abubakar Kana; the provost of the College of Health Science and Technology, Keffi, Suleiman Mohammed; and the director of works, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Ibrahim Jibrin, commended Mr Sule for prioritising investments aimed at improving electricity supply and supporting socio-economic development in the state. 

(NAN)