The Katsina State Government has unveiled plans to raise at least 70 megawatts of electricity from renewable sources to stabilise power supply and reduce its reliance on Nigeria’s fragile national grid.
The announcement was made on Thursday in Katsina by Dr. Hafiz Ibrahim Ahmed, Special Adviser on Power and Energy to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, during a media briefing on the administration’s energy strategy.
Ahmed said the Radda-led government inherited virtually zero renewable power capacity in 2023 but has since installed more than 30 megawatts across the state in less than two and a half years.
He said the expansion is aligned with Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan and the country’s 2060 net-zero emissions target, adding that the government is on course to exceed its 70-megawatt goal at the current pace.
As part of cost-cutting and efficiency measures, Katsina approved 20.1 megawatts of solar power for 11 key public institutions that account for about 93% of the state’s public-sector energy bills.
The government is also rolling out standalone solar systems to 361 primary healthcare centres — one in every ward — to ensure round-the-clock electricity for medical services.
To strengthen distribution, the state has approved the purchase of 200 transformers worth about $1.5 million, with Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) expected to fund the remaining half.
The investment will increase Katsina’s equity stake in KEDCO, where it already holds the largest share among franchise states at 17%.
Ahmed said the state is replacing diesel-powered and grid-dependent streetlights with solar systems to cut emissions and recurring fuel costs.
He added that Katsina is partnering with the French government and private investors to build a mini-hydropower plant at Lambar Rimi Dam, with plans to replicate similar projects at other dam sites.