Governor Malam Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has commissioned the Kafin Hausa Mini-Grid Power Project — the first of a planned 10 megawatts of solar-hybrid mini-grids to be rolled out across the state.
This was contained in a statement signed by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Hamisu Muhammad Gumel issued to STANDARD TRUST NEWS.
He said the development is part of bold step toward addressing power challenges and accelerating renewable energy adoption,
According to the statement “This project, executed by Bagaja Renewables, is part of efforts by KEDCO and Future Energies Africa to ensure sustainable improvements in power supply in Jigawa State,” the governor said.
“It is also one of several mini-grid power projects planned to be rolled out in the coming months Dutse, Hadejia, Kazaure, Ringim, and Gumel through these collaborative efforts.”
The 500-kilowatt peak (kWp) solar-hybrid power plant is equipped with a 3.5-kilometre 33-kilovolt distribution line, step-up and step-down transformers, and other supporting infrastructure.
Governor Namadi noted that the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which decentralizes the power sector and allows states to generate their own electricity.
“The Agenda has considered increased public and private sector investments in off-grid and renewable power generation as part of the options for a sustainable solution to the country’s power challenges,” he explained.
The governor linked the project to his administration’s 12-Point Agenda, emphasizing renewable energy investment, rural electrification, and private sector participation as key to transforming the state’s economy.
STANDARD TRUST NEWS reported that, Jigawa State recently increased its stake in the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) from 7.5 percent to 10 percent — a move Governor Namadi described as a “deliberate attempt” to boost electricity performance in the state.
He also highlighted Jigawa’s leadership in energy sector reforms, noting that the state was the first in the Northwest to establish a Ministry of Power and Energy, the first among the 19 Northern states to enact its own State Electricity Law 2024, and has hosted a high-level roundtable with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) on expanding decentralized renewable energy.
Beyond mini-grids, Jigawa is facilitating a 100MW power project under a public-private partnership to strengthen its electricity market and diversify its energy mix. The Nigerian Electrification Project (NEP), through REA, is also implementing 21 additional mini-grids in remote communities, expected to be commissioned soon.
Governor Namadi reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding energy access
“Today’s commissioning is part of the dividends of our investment in KEDCO and a demonstration of our resolve to improve the socioeconomic wellbeing of the people of Jigawa State.” Gov. Namadi stated.
