The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission has commenced the construction of 26 solar-powered boreholes in vulnerable communities across 10 Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State.

The Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Thursday at the Government House in Lafia, the state capital.

According to him, N-HYPPADEC was established by the Federal Government with a clear mandate to reverse the damaging effects of ecological disasters arising from the operation of hydroelectric dams and to promote socio-economic development in power-producing and riverine areas.

He said the benefiting LGAs include Keffi, Kokona, Toto, Awe, Doma, Keana, Akwanga, Nasarawa Eggon, Wamba and Lafia.

“Since our mandate was extended to Nasarawa State, the commission has executed significant projects across the state. We have awarded contracts for the construction of 26 solar-powered boreholes across multiple local governments.

“While some have been completed, others are ongoing. These water facilities are designed to serve communities, educational institutions and religious centres by addressing critical water scarcity challenges,” he said.

The MD further explained that the commission also awarded contracts for the construction of five blocks of three classrooms across five primary and secondary schools in Karu, Doma, Nasarawa, Lafia and Toto LGAs to improve educational infrastructure.

In addition, he said N-HYPPADEC procured 45 power tillers for distribution to agricultural cooperatives in the state, in consultation with the state government, to support mechanised farming and boost agricultural productivity.

“We have also undertaken the desilting and evacuation of 15,000 linear metres of blocked drainage channels and culverts in Karu, Keffi and Lafia to mitigate flood risks.

“These communities sacrifice much for national progress, often enduring displacement, flooding, soil erosion and disruption of livelihoods,” he said.

Sadiq-Yelwa noted that the inclusion of Nasarawa State within the commission’s jurisdiction was strategic, given the state’s significant contribution of River Benue flows towards its confluence with River Niger at Lokoja.

He added that the state is home to the Farin Ruwa hydropower corridor and has numerous vulnerable riverine settlements.

He called for deeper collaboration with the Nasarawa State Government to mitigate flooding and environmental degradation affecting riverine communities.

“We need coordinated efforts to address infrastructural gaps, particularly in education and healthcare, where needs remain acute.

“We must also partner to improve livelihoods, especially for agricultural communities facing climate challenges and youths grappling with unemployment,” he said.

Responding, Sule commended the N-HYPPADEC management for its high-impact interventions in the state, particularly in water supply, solar power and agriculture.

He praised the managing director’s initiative of visiting project sites and communities to ensure practical, people-oriented solutions, noting that such engagements helped residents better appreciate the commission’s role.

The governor expressed satisfaction with the commission’s focus on flood control and environmental protection and called for sustained and expanded interventions, including partnerships in water and power projects.

Sule assured the commission of the state government’s continued support and collaboration to maximise development outcomes.

The N-HYPPADEC delegation also paid courtesy visits to the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad (retd.), the Andoma of Doma, Aliyu Oga-Onawo, and the Emir of Awe, Isa Abubakar Umar.

The traditional rulers lauded the commission for its intervention projects and pledged their support to ensure the successful execution of its mandate in their domains.