…Northwest states explore joint regulation under Electricity Act to drive integrated energy market

… target power expansion through renewables, mini-grids, embedded generation

Oredola Adeola

Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States have announced plans to collaborate with Future Energies Africa (FEA) the core investor in the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), to establish a ₦50 billion electrification fund aimed at expanding electricity access across the three states.

The initiative seeks to fast-track power supply through embedded generation projects, including renewable energy, solar home systems, mini-grids, and grid extensions.

In addition, the three states are exploring joint regulatory frameworks under the Electricity Act, enabling them to mobilise resources and coordinate policies for a more integrated and efficient tri-state electricity market.

Bala Sani, Head of Corporate Communications at KEDCO, disclosed this in a statement obtained by Advisors Reports on Monday.

According to him, the Governors of Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States — Mal. Abba Kabir Yusuf, Mal. Dikko Radda, and Mal. Umar Namadi,  met with Future Energies Africa, during a High-Level Electrification Summit held in Marrakech, Morocco, from October 16 to 19, 2025.

The meeting, aimed at fast-tracking power access across the three states, also had in attendance key stakeholders, including Dafe Akpeneye, Commissioner at the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC); Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Saif and Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, Speakers of Katsina and Jigawa States; Dr. Gaddafi Sani Shehu and Dr. Surajo Alhaji Musa, Commissioners for Power in Kano and Jigawa; Dr. Hafiz Ibrahim Ahmed, Special Adviser on Power to the Katsina Governor; and Hon. Bello Fanini Abubakar, Attorney-General of Jigawa State.

The host delegation from Future Energies Africa was led by its Chairman, Alh. Najib J.A. Koguna, alongside Ahmad Rufai Zakari, OON, Alh. Habib Daura Ahmed, and Engr. Yusuf Usman Yahaya. Also present were Alh. Adamu Ibrahim Gumel, Chairman of KEDCO, and Dr. Abubakar Jimeta, Managing Director of KEDCO.

Technical experts from DLA Piper, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and BlackAion Capital also participated in the summit, which concluded with an agreement for Kano and Katsina States to join Jigawa State in taking equity stakes in Future Energies Africa, a move expected to bolster KEDCO’s strategic direction and deepen regional energy collaboration.