Kano to develop state electricity market to boost power supply
Kola Oyelere Kano
The Kano State Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy has intensified efforts to improve electricity supply, with plans to develop a state electricity market through partnerships with private and international stakeholders.
The Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Engr. Dr. Gaddafi Sani Shehu, disclosed this on Tuesday ,while receiving a delegation from the Centre for Information Technology and Development at the ministry’s headquarters
Shehu said the ministry is collaborating with private investors, independent power producers and development agencies to establish mini-grids and captive power systems aimed at supporting key economic zones and emerging technology clusters across the state.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to delivering reliable and sustainable energy in line with the vision of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, emphasizing ongoing stakeholder engagement to strengthen the power sector.
According to the commissioner, the meeting reviewed progress made in the sector, identified operational challenges and explored solutions to enhance electricity distribution and renewable energy deployment.
Discussions also focused on infrastructure upgrades, technical capacity development, maintenance challenges and strategies to accelerate renewable energy projects.
Shehu assured the delegation of the ministry’s readiness to collaborate on practical initiatives that would improve electricity access for residents and businesses.
Earlier, the leader of the CITAD delegation, Malam Isa Garba, said the visit was aimed at fostering collaboration on civic engagement tools and energy sector reforms.
He noted that Kano, as a major commercial hub, must not lag behind in establishing a state electricity regulatory framework.
Garba highlighted the impact of unreliable power supply on businesses, stating that small enterprises spend up to 40 percent of their operating costs on alternative energy sources, while digital entrepreneurs face difficulties sustaining operations.
He proposed the creation of a state-owned electricity market or special purpose vehicle to generate embedded power from solar, gas and waste-to-energy sources, and distribute it to industrial clusters such as Sharada, Bompai and Chalawa, as well as underserved communities.
The CITAD delegation commended the ministry’s initiatives and pledged continued partnership to support reforms in Kano’s power sector.