ASHENEWS reports that the Sokoto state governor, Ahmed Sokoto has called on the federal government to support the completion of the state’s Independent Power Project (IPP).
This is contained in a statement signed by the Press Secretary to the Sokoto state governor, Abubakar Bawa on Thursday.
The statement said that the governor stated this when he received the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu on a courtesy visit to Government House, Sokoto.
The statement quoted the governor as also seeking support to allow for power generation at the Goronyo Dam also located in the state.
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The governor stressed that the IPP and Goronyo Dam projects could help provide hydroelectricity supply in not just the state but to other neighbouring states.
This, he said will also fast-track industrialization in the benefitting areas while also creating jobs.
“The project is almost completed, so, we need the support of the federal government to ensure its take off.
“We equally need your support in reconnecting eight Local Governments that have been without light for years as well as the general improvement of electricity supply in the State,” the governor said.
Speaking earlier, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelatu said his visit to the state was to Sokoto inspect Federal, State, and private electricity facilities for the possible intervention of the federal government.
“I also came to inspect the Sokoto State Independent Power Project and Goronyo Dam so that we can see where the federal government can come in,” the Minister added.
He assured the federal government’s commitment to improving power generation and distribution in the country.
The Goronyo Dam impounds the Rima River in the Goronyo local government area of Sokoto State in northern Nigeria. It was completed in 1984 and commissioned in 1992. The dam is a sand-fill structure with a height of 21 m and a total length of 12.5 km. It has a storage capacity of 976 million cubic meters.