Local Government and Rural Electrification Policy in Taraba State: A Study of Ardo-Kola Local Government Area

This study examines the role of local government authorities in rural electrification policy implementation in Ardo-Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State, North East Nigeria. Electricity access is a fundamental enabler of economic development, education, healthcare delivery, and community security, yet rural electrification rates in North East Nigeria remain among the lowest in the country, with many communities in Taraba State entirely off-grid. Local governments occupy an important position in policy implementation, advocacy, and community mobilization for rural electrification programs, yet their capacity and authority in this domain are poorly understood. The study adopts a descriptive survey design with primary data collected from 160 respondents including rural households, local government works officers, community cooperatives, and state Rural Electrification Agency staff. The Energy Poverty Framework and the Infrastructure Governance Model provide the theoretical basis. Secondary data includes Rural Electrification Agency national reports, Taraba State energy sector documents, and recent academic literature on electrification governance in Nigeria. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis are applied. Anticipated findings indicate that local government advocacy, community site identification, and payment of counterpart contributions significantly accelerate rural electrification project timelines. Recommendations include formal assignment of rural electrification roles to local government authorities, establishment of local energy committees, and prioritization of solar mini-grid deployment in remote communities of Ardo-Kola. Keywords: Rural electrification, local government, energy poverty, Ardo-Kola, Taraba State.