By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Katsina
The Federal Government has commended progress being made by Katsina state in the renewable energy sector, as the state shone at the National Council on Power meeting held in Borno state.
According to the Special Adviser to Katsina State Governor on Power and Energy, Dr. Hafiz Ibrahim Ahmed, the Federal Government has commenced the concessioning process of the 10MW Lambar Rimi Wind Farm to the Katsina state Government.
He stated this during the National Council on Power held in Maiduguri, Borno State, where Dr. Ahmed served as a panellist in discussions on strengthening Nigeria’s energy systems.
Speaking at the panel session themed “Strengthening Subnational Collaboration,” Dr. Ahmed emphasised the need for deeper cooperation between subnational governments, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Distribution Companies (DisCos), and neighbouring states to maximise the efficient use of existing energy infrastructure.
“Such synergy is vital to drive improvements and upgrades to current assets, and enable seamless cross-border electricity transmission and regional grid stability,” Dr. Ahmed stated during the session.
The Special Adviser recommended the formation of a Joint Regulatory Commission for states served by the same DisCo to harmonise regulations, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and create a more conducive operating environment for Distribution Companies.
Dr. Ahmed also advocated for the active participation of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas) and Gas Supply Companies (GASCOs) in future council deliberations, noting that over 80% of Nigeria’s power generation capacity is gas-fired.
Dr. Ahmed further noted the strides made by the Katsina State Government in advancing renewable energy solutions under Governor Radda’s administration, describing the wind farm concessioning as “a landmark move that underscores the importance of state-level leadership in power innovation.”
Also speaking, the Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, commended Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda’s leadership in renewable energy advancement, particularly the state’s progress in solar deployments, leading to the Federal Government’s decision to concession the wind farm to Katsina State.
The National Council on Power brought together key stakeholders in Nigeria’s power sector to engage in dialogue on the future of power generation, transmission, distribution, and regulation across the country.