The Katsina State Government has announced plans to withdraw from the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) as it intensifies efforts to establish an independent electricity supply system across all local government areas and communities in the state.
The Special Adviser to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda on Power and Energy, Dr. Hafiz Ibrahim, disclosed this during a media interaction held in Katsina.
Dr. Hafiz said the state government is determined to reduce the cost of electricity currently paid through KEDCO before the end of next year, stressing that a comprehensive energy audit conducted by the state revealed severe power shortages in many parts of Katsina.
According to him, the findings showed that millions of residents across the state still lack reliable access to electricity, describing the situation as a major setback to development.
“Based on the outcome of the audit, we discovered that Katsina is facing a serious energy deficit, and we are working tirelessly to lift the state completely out of this condition,” he said.
He explained that the state’s energy blueprint is largely driven by renewable energy, adding that the government is partnering with original equipment manufacturers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to supply 200 power distribution units aimed at boosting electricity access across the state.
The Special Adviser also revealed that in the last two years, Katsina State has recorded a 93 per cent reduction in electricity costs across major government facilities through the installation of a 20.1 megawatt solar power system in 11 government and public institutions.
Dr. Hafis further stated that the government is working towards achieving energy security by ensuring that all 361 electoral wards in Katsina State begin to benefit from full electricity supply in the near future.
He disclosed that Katsina requires about 70 megawatts to attain adequate electricity coverage statewide, noting that nearly 30 megawatts have already been installed.
“We have already installed 30 megawatts out of the 70 megawatts required for sufficient electricity supply across Katsina State, and we hope to complete
the remaining work by next year,” he added.
However, the state government has yet to release a clear timeline for its exit from KEDCO and has not detailed the legal and regulatory steps required to fully implement the planned independent power supply framework.
The development comes amid growing calls across northern Nigeria for improved electricity access, as states increasingly explore alternative energy solutions to bridge persistent power gaps and reduce dependence on traditional distribution companies.
