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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The European Union (EU) has announced that the small hydropower project in Balanga Dam in Gombe State has been scheduled for commissioning in March 2026.
The EU made the announcement shortly after a visit by officials from the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, who observed the dam’s transition from an underutilised irrigation facility to a multi-purpose hub for renewable energy and agriculture.
Constructed between 1979 and 1984 to support irrigation and water supply, the dam operated for decades with only its irrigation function in use.
With EU support, delivered in partnership with UNIDO, the Gombe State Government, and other stakeholders, the facility is now being upgraded to generate 320 kilowatts of hydropower. This will be complemented by an additional 300 kilowatts of solar PV, bringing total renewable energy output to 620 kilowatts.
Commissioner of Water, Environment, and Forest Resources, Mohammed Saidu Fawu, highlighted the project’s significance for the state. “For years, the dam was underutilised, but today it is a hub of activity.
“The project is creating employment opportunities, supporting livelihoods, and ensuring that the people of Gombe benefit directly from the resources in their communities.
“The energy generated will primarily serve a proposed agro-processing zone to be located three kilometres from the dam. The zone will enable farmers to convert crops such as rice into finished products, expanding income opportunities and strengthening the agricultural value chain.
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“The project also includes an expansion of irrigation canals, increasing the cultivable area from 2,200 hectares to nearly 11,000 hectares.”
Fawu stressed the human dimension of the work. “Balanga is about people; about giving youth opportunities to work, earn, and contribute to the prosperity of their communities. This is as much a human development project as it is an energy project.”
Inga Stefanowicz, Head of Section, Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation, said the initiative illustrates the value of strong partnerships. “The European Union’s support demonstrates how international collaboration can transform infrastructure into engines of growth and opportunity. Balanga is a model of sustainable development, bringing energy, jobs, and economic empowerment together in one integrated initiative.”
Stefanowicz praised the state government for its leadership. “Gombe State has demonstrated remarkable commitment in securing co-funding and partnering effectively with the EU.
“This project is a blueprint for how governments and international partners can work together to deliver tangible results for communities.”
She further emphasised the project’s multi-purpose value. “The initiative does not only generate electricity. It supports food processing, creates jobs, and strengthens local economies. That is the real power of sustainable development.”
