Governor of Kebbi State, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has directed the immediate constitution of a multi-stakeholder committee to engage the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) with a view to addressing the persistent power outages affecting the state.
The Governor gave the directive during a townhall meeting held at the Presidential Banquet Hall in Birnin Kebbi, which brought together officials of KEDCO, government functionaries, civil society organizations, labour unions, professional bodies, and various trade associations.
In his remarks, Governor Idris expressed deep concern over the deteriorating electricity supply in the state, noting that continued decline in power supply as unacceptable and harmful to the socio-economic development of the state.
He stated that the government would no longer tolerate a situation where residents and businesses suffer persistent outages without clear and actionable solutions, stressing that decisive action must be taken to resolve the crisis once and for all.
Governor Idris announced that the committee would comprise representatives from critical stakeholders, including government officials, the Kebbi Development Forum (KDF), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), civil society groups, youth representatives, elders, political party members, representative of District Heads and KEDCO officials.
He added that the State House of Assembly, Commissioners, and Local Government Council Chairmen would also nominate representatives, while special advisers, including that of Student Affairs, would also be included to ensure that all segments of society are captured.
The Governor emphasized that the committee would thoroughly assess all issues affecting electricity supply in the state and recommend practical, sustainable solutions that would guarantee improved service delivery.
Governor Idris disclosed that state government should had suspended the monthly payment of N150 million previously provided as support to KEDCO, citing dissatisfaction with the quality of service and increasing complaints from residents across the state.
He, however, reaffirmed the government’s willingness to support any viable arrangement that guarantees stable electricity supply noting that payments could be resumed or even increased if there are measurable improvements.
The Governor also revealed that the state is exploring alternative power solutions, underscoring the need to diversify energy sources beyond reliance on the national grid.
In his presentation, the Managing Director of KEDCO, Umar Abubakar Hashidu, highlighted the challenges confronting electricity distribution, including inadequate national power generation, gas supply constraints, and limited allocation to the company.
He explained that Kaduna Electric receives only about 5.6 percent of total electricity generated nationwide, equivalent to an average of 150 to 180 megawatts to serve Kebbi and neighboring states, a figure he described as grossly insufficient.
Hashidu also highlighted financial constraints, noting that the company purchases electricity at higher rates than is permitted to sell due to tariff regulations, resulting in a significant subsidy gap and accumulating debt.
He further cited low revenue collection, resistance to metering, energy theft, and vandalism, as additional factors undermine the company’s capacity to deliver improved services.
The Chairman of KEDCO, Aminu Abubakar Suleiman, called for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector, stressing that sustainable electricity supply requires significant investment, partnership, and mutual understanding.
He acknowledged the frustrations of residents but emphasized that improved power supply would ultimately benefit both consumers and the company, urging patience and cooperation from all stakeholders.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Yakubu Bala Tafida, stated that the meeting was convened to identify the root causes of the power challenges and collectively chart a way forward.
Stakeholders, including representatives of civil society organizations, the Nigeria Labour Congress, and trade associations such as welders, furniture makers, and pure water producers, voiced strong concerns over poor service delivery.
They highlighted issues such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of maintenance, estimated billing, workforce challenges, and the burden placed on communities to fund repairs of transformers and other facilities.
Participants also called for greater transparency, improved accountability, and the establishment of regulatory mechanisms to protect consumers and ensure compliance with service agreements.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment by all parties to work collaboratively through the newly constituted committee to restore stable and reliable electricity supply to the State.
