The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission, N-HYPPADEC, has intensified efforts to improve the welfare and livelihoods of host communities in Gombe State through a series of engagements and development interventions aimed at addressing long standing challenges linked to hydroelectric power activities.
The Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Mr. Abubakar Yelwa, said the visit to Gombe was part of the Commission’s engagement tour of newly admitted member states, following approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June 2023. He explained that the tour was designed to strengthen relationships with state governments and host communities while assessing priority needs.
Mr. Yelwa, who began the tour with a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, reaffirmed the Commission’s mandate to mitigate ecological damage arising from hydroelectric power operations and to promote sustainable development in affected communities. He said Gombe State qualified for membership because it hosts the Dadin Kowa Hydropower Dam.
According to him, N-HYPPADEC has already carried out several interventions in Gombe State. These include the supply of 1,100 life jackets to riverine communities, the provision of an operational flying boat to Kupto Community, installation of solar streetlights, construction of solar powered boreholes, desilting of drainages, construction of classrooms, and support for indigent students through the payment of National Examination Council, NECO, fees.
The Managing Director stressed the need for stronger collaboration with the state government, especially in the areas of flood mitigation, education and health infrastructure, youth employment, and the strategic establishment of Area Offices to improve service delivery. He also commended the Gombe State Government for supporting the establishment of the Commission’s State Office, describing the move as a clear demonstration of commitment to the welfare of communities affected by hydroelectric operations.
The Gombe State Government, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, reaffirmed the state’s readiness to partner with N-HYPPADEC to improve the welfare and livelihoods of residents. He praised the Commission for living up to the objectives of its establishment, noting that unlike many organisations that focus largely on internal development, N-HYPPADEC has prioritised projects that directly impact people’s daily lives.
While expressing appreciation for ongoing interventions in the state, including streetlights, life jackets for riverine communities and the payment of NECO fees, Dr. Jatau also welcomed the promised delivery of a 33 seater boat. He assured the Commission of the state government’s support through public enlightenment on the proper use of life jackets and other safety facilities, while appealing for wider coverage of N-HYPPADEC activities across all 11 local government areas.
The Deputy Governor further pledged the state’s technical support and local knowledge to assist the Commission in siting offices in areas most affected by dam operations. He added that the Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya administration had established the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park to create employment opportunities for youths, noting that the initiative aligned with N-HYPPADEC’s socio economic development focus.
The delegation also visited Nafada, where the Emir of Nafada, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Dadum Hamza, described N-HYPPADEC as the headquarters of rural development in Nigeria, citing the scale and impact of its interventions. He commended projects executed in Nafada and ranked the Commission first, second and third on the scale of productivity among development agencies operating in the area.
Read Also: Bauchi Women SDG Innovation Hackathon 2026
