By Emmanuel Kwada
In a powerful and forward-looking address, His Excellency, Rt Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, CON, Governor of Adamawa State, captivated an audience of policymakers, investors, and energy sector stakeholders at a high-profile roundtable themed “Empowering Adamawa: Unlocking Private Sector Opportunities in Distributed Renewable Energy”.
Held in the nation’s capital, the event underscored Adamawa’s emergence as a beacon of innovation and investment opportunity in Nigeria’s renewable energy landscape.
Governor Fintiri opened his speech with a warm welcome, framing the occasion as a pivotal moment to “market Adamawa State for investment”—a mission he has championed tirelessly over the past six years.
For me, this is more than a duty; it is a task of salesmanship
“For me, this is more than a duty; it is a task of salesmanship,” he declared, pointing to the tangible successes his administration has achieved in elevating the state’s economic profile and national standing.
The Governor painted a vivid picture of Adamawa’s transformation, attributing the state’s progress to strategic reforms, targeted investments, and proactive policies. With an economy historically anchored in agriculture, commerce, and public sector activities, Adamawa has undergone a renaissance under Fintiri’s leadership.
“We have remained a key player in Nigeria’s economic landscape,” he noted, emphasizing the state’s progressive economic policies designed to boost productivity and attract investors.
We have remained a key player in Nigeria’s economic landscape
Among the standout achievements cited was Adamawa’s improved Ease of Doing Business score, which rose from 5.25 in 2021 to 5.86 in 2023—a leap that propelled the state 10 positions higher in national rankings. This milestone, Fintiri explained, reflects a concerted effort to dismantle bureaucratic hurdles and position Adamawa as a prime destination for business.
Our Internally Generated Revenue has grown steadily
Fiscal transparency has also been a cornerstone of his administration’s success. Adamawa ranked among Nigeria’s top five states in the State Fiscal Transparency League Table for Q2 2023, a testament to enhanced financial reporting, digitized procurement processes, and prudent public expenditure management.
“Our Internally Generated Revenue has grown steadily,” Fintiri added, crediting improved tax collection and digital financial platforms that have curbed corruption and optimized resource use.
Infrastructure development emerged as a recurring theme in the Governor’s address, with rural electrification taking center stage.
We have executed over 30 rural electrification projects, impacting thousands of households across multiple Local Government Areas
“We have executed over 30 rural electrification projects, impacting thousands of households across multiple Local Government Areas,” he announced proudly. Backed by an investment of approximately N3 billion, these initiatives have brought light and opportunity to rural communities, spurring advancements in agriculture, commerce, and social services.
Beyond energy, the state’s State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) program has streamlined business registration, automated government services, and increased transparency in land transactions.
These reforms have sparked growing private sector interest, with a recent proposal for a 300MW solar PV farm underscoring Adamawa’s appeal to renewable energy investors.
At the heart of Governor Fintiri’s address was a clarion call to harness distributed renewable energy (DRE) as a transformative force for Adamawa.
Citing the Electricity Act 2023 and the state’s forthcoming Electricity Policy—still in development—he invited stakeholders to contribute their insights, ensuring the policy reflects the needs of a dynamic energy ecosystem. “Our vision is bold,” he asserted.
We aspire to see an Adamawa where DRE solutions power every community
“We aspire to see an Adamawa where DRE solutions power every community, where robust mini-grids connect remote areas, and where agriculture and transportation thrive on clean energy innovations.”
Fintiri outlined three key areas ripe for investment:
Electrification of Underserved Areas: Leveraging solar mini-grids and stand-alone systems to deliver reliable power to remote and peri-urban communities, driving economic growth and improving quality of life.
Agriculture: Integrating solar-powered irrigation and agro-processing facilities to enhance productivity, reduce losses, and bolster food security across Nigeria.
Transportation: Pioneering clean energy solutions like electric vehicle charging infrastructure and sustainable public transit to curb pollution and modernize mobility.
To sweeten the deal for investors, the Governor unveiled an array of financial incentives, including tax holidays, credit guarantees, concessional financing, and grants for pilot projects.
This ensures we have a skilled workforce ready to support any renewable energy project
While acknowledging the state’s limited control over import duties, he pledged to collaborate with the Federal Government to secure reduced tariffs on renewable energy equipment—a move he noted is already gaining traction.
Education and skills development were also spotlighted as critical enablers of Adamawa’s energy ambitions. Fintiri revealed a partnership with an indigenous company to train 1,000 citizens annually in solar photovoltaic installation across the state’s 21 LGAs.
“This ensures we have a skilled workforce ready to support any renewable energy project,” he said, reinforcing his commitment to empowering Adamawa’s youth.
As he drew his address to a close, Governor Fintiri issued a passionate appeal to the audience. “Engage openly, challenge conventional approaches, and propose innovative solutions,” he urged. “Let us forge partnerships that extend beyond this room.” He reassured investors of his administration’s unwavering support, declaring, “No obligation that is ours will be left unattended to. You can take our words to the bank.”
Let us forge partnerships that extend beyond this room
Reflecting on Adamawa’s journey, Fintiri celebrated the state’s economic reforms, fiscal discipline, and infrastructure strides as the foundation for a sustainable future.
“We are at the cusp of transformation,” he proclaimed, extending an invitation to stakeholders and development partners to join hands in unlocking Adamawa’s boundless potential.
The Governor concluded with heartfelt thanks to attendees for their expertise and commitment, reserving special appreciation for the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and his team for spearheading the initiative.
Together, we will empower Adamawa and illuminate the path to a brighter, greener future
“Together, we will empower Adamawa and illuminate the path to a brighter, greener future,” he affirmed, offering a hand of partnership rooted in his vision of an inclusive, prosperous state where “no one is left behind and nothing is left untouched.”
As the roundtable discussions commenced, Governor Fintiri’s compelling address set an electrifying tone, blending optimism, pragmatism, and a resolute call to action. For Adamawa, the future is not just renewable—it is radiant.
Excellent move if the 300Mw solar power off-grid project will be embarked upon soonest. This to replicated in several locations in the state.
Excellent move if the 300Mw solar power off-grid project will be embarked upon soonest. This to be replicated in several locations in the state.