The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has sought partnership with the Taraba State Government to strengthen ecological interventions in dam-affected communities.
Its Managing Director, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq, made the call during a management committee courtesy visit to Gov. Agbu Kefas on Friday, January 16, 2026, in Jalingo, the state capital.
Sadiq said the commission remained committed to addressing ecological damage from hydroelectric dam operations to promote sustainable socio-economic development in host communities.
He said N-HYPPADEC had executed social and infrastructural projects in Wukari, Takum, Ibi, Ardo-Kola, Karim-Lamido, Jalingo, Yorro and Lau local government areas.
“In line with our mandate, we are reversing ecological damage while promoting sustainable development through targeted social and infrastructural interventions,” Sadiq said.
He said the commission installed solar-powered streetlights and constructed solar-powered boreholes to improve security, economic activities and access to clean water.
“Since 2024, we have supplied and installed 34 solar-powered streetlights across riverine communities and Jalingo metropolis,” he said.
Sadiq added that 15 solar-powered boreholes were constructed, while 32 power tillers were distributed to farming cooperatives to strengthen agricultural livelihoods.
He said two operational flying boats were provided along riverine corridors to enhance mobility and emergency response.
“Recognising Taraba’s riverine challenges, we delivered flying boats along the Lau–Karim-Lamido and Ibi–Wukari axes,” he said.
Sadiq said two water buses would also be delivered along the Ibi–Wukari route, each with a capacity of 34 passengers.
He added that drainage desilting works covering about 40 linear metres were undertaken, alongside transformer installations and payment of NECO fees for candidates.
Sadiq welcomed the inclusion of Taraba, Kaduna, Gombe and Nasarawa as member states of the commission in June 2023.
He said President Bola Tinubu’s decision acknowledged communities bearing environmental and social burdens of hydroelectric power generation.
“Flooding, erosion, displacement and livelihood disruption are real challenges driving the commission’s policy focus,” Sadiq said.
Governor Kefas commended President Tinubu for admitting Taraba into the commission and assured continued cooperation with development partners.
He said the state government remained committed to initiatives that would drive development and improve citizens’ wellbeing.
The delegation earlier visited the Aku Uka of Wukari, Dr Manu Ali, who praised the commission’s interventions.
By Gabriel Yough