Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has announced that the Kashimbila Hydroelectric Dam is expected to become fully operational by August 2025, marking a major milestone in the state’s ambition to become a leading hub for renewable energy and mining in Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview on ARISE NEWS on Thursday, Governor Kefas said the dam, located in southern Taraba, has already been concessioned to private operators and is currently undergoing preparatory work for full handover.
“The Kashimbila Dam has been concessioned, and there are some private individuals that have taken charge of the dam, and they are still working on the handing and taking over and the preparation on how it will go into full operation. So I’m very, very sure that by the time that is done, maybe before the end of August, because we are liaising with them, by the end of August, we’ll be able to make proper use of that dam to supply energy to people.
“And there are so much opportunities around that very area for irrigation, farming, and the rest of things like that, fishing and the rest. So our people are waiting, they are eager. And we have engaged in training some of them so that once it starts, it will be full-scale economic activities around that area. So I believe that very soon we’ll be able to operate from there,” the governor said.
Kefas also revealed that the dam will not only power communities in Taraba, but could supply energy to other states and neighbouring countries, given the region’s strategic location near Cameroon.
The announcement follows the just-concluded Taraba Investment Summit (Taravest), where the state government showcased opportunities in energy, agriculture, and solid minerals to a national and international audience of investors.
Kefas said the summit marked a turning point for Taraba’s economic outlook and demonstrated his administration’s seriousness about driving private sector-led development.
He further highlighted the state’s investment opportunities in different sectors, including rich deposits of lithium and other critical minerals, confirming that the government is working closely with the Ministry of Solid Minerals to ensure transparent and community-inclusive mining operations.
He said, “Whatever we are doing is very comprehensive, is friendly and then is backed by a very strong policy that will enable the investors to invest in Taraba. In Taraba state, we are looking at agriculture. We have about 54,000 square metres of land that is arable, good for all kinds of crops, all kinds of weather. In fact, we can farm 365 days continuously in Taraba. So we have enough farmland for investors that want to invest in agriculture.
“Also, fishing. We have very good rivers, we have very sweet fish in all these rivers and all the underwater elements or animals that people can also look at. And then we are talking about livestock. I’m still talking about agriculture and food security. We have enough land for grazing, natural grazing for people that want to go into livestock business. It’s open for them.
“And also, in the area of mining, we have all kinds of mineral resources that are here. And we are working together with the Ministry of Solid Mineral to ensure that we do or carry out responsible mining activities that all communities will be involved and the environment will be also protected. So in the area of mining too, we are opening up mining for the whole world to come and mine in Taraba.
“Then if you look at the area of energy, we have so much energy resources, hydro resources in Taraba, good for hydro power, and also alternative energies like solar and so on. So Taraba is actually open. Even in the area of the mineral we are talking about, we have so much deposits of lithium here. So investors can take advantage of that to set up manufacturing plants in the States to be able to thrive economically.”
“Taraba is ready, Taraba is peaceful, and this has been a collective understanding between the government and the people. So, Taraba is open to the world for investment” the governor said, emphasising the role of peace and security in attracting investors.
“This is where we are and we are open to all the investors in the world to come to Taraba. And with the help of the federal government I think we’ll be able to achieve that.”
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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