Kano, Centre partner to establish electricity market, drive power reforms

The Kano State Power and Renewable Energy has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to establish a functional electricity market to enhance power supply and support economic growth.

The Commissioner of Power and Renewable Energy, Dr Gaddafi Sani-Shehu, stated this when he received a delegation from the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) at the ministry’s headquarters in Kano.

This is contained in a statement in Kano by the Public Relations Officer of the ministry, Saad Umar.

According to the statement, the ministry will partner private investors, independent power producers and international development agencies to develop mini-grids and captive power systems for key economic zones and emerging technology clusters.

“The State Governor, Abba Kabir-Yusuf has ensured a reliable and sustainable energy through strategic collaborations with relevant stakeholders,” he said.

Sani-Shehu explained that the meeting reviewed progress in the power sector, identified challenges and explored practical solutions to improve electricity supply and expand renewable energy deployment across the state.

He added that infrastructure upgrades, technical capacity building, maintenance challenges and strategies to accelerate renewable energy projects would benefit residents and businesses.

The commissioner assured the delegation of the ministry’s readiness to sustain collaboration and implement actionable initiatives to improve service delivery.

Earlier, the Leader of the CITAD delegation, Malam Isa Garba, said the visit is aimed at strengthening collaboration on digital tools and civic engagement initiatives.

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Garba said Kano is a major commercial hub and it must not lag behind in establishment of a State Electricity Regulatory Commission, noting its importance to economic development.

He disclosed that small businesses in the state spend up to 40 per cent of their operating costs on alternative power sources, while young innovators face challenges in sustaining digital enterprises due to unreliable electricity supply.

Garba proposed the establishment of a state-own electricity market or special purpose vehicle, to generate power from solar, gas and waste-to-energy sources for distribution to industrial clusters such as Sharada, Bompai and Chalawa, as well as underserved communities.

He also commended the ministry’s efforts and pledged continued partnership to support ongoing power sector reforms in the state.