Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina states have formed a partnership to establish a tri-state electricity market and acquire equity stakes in Future Energies Africa (FEA), the core investor in Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).
The Jigawa State Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, Mr. Sagir Musa, disclosed this during a press briefing in Dutse on Monday.
He said the governors of the three states reached the agreement at the High-Level Electrification Summit held in Marrakech, Morocco, from Oct. 16 to Oct. 19.
According to Musa, the states will jointly take equity stakes in FEA to strengthen KEDCO’s strategic direction and drive sustainable energy access across the region.
“The three states, in partnership with Future Energies Africa, will embark on a first-of-its-kind electrification fund, with a target capitalisation of ₦50 billion in the first instance.
“The aim is to accelerate energy access and supply across the three states through embedded generation using renewables, solar home systems, grid extension, and mini-grids,” he said.
Musa explained that the collaboration would operate under the provisions of the Electricity Act, enabling the states to jointly regulate and participate in a mutually beneficial tri-state electricity market.
He added that the partnership would also work with KEDCO to reduce energy losses from residential consumers and expand reliable power supply to households and businesses in the region.
As part of the agreement, the three governors and FEA will convene an annual international retreat and hold quarterly meetings to review progress and strengthen cooperation for the Northwestern tri-state electricity market.
Musa said Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi and the Commissioner for Power, Mr. Surajo Musa, represented the state at the summit.
