Kaduna Moves to Build Regional Power Market, Attracts Investors at Energy Summit

Governor Uba Sani has unveiled plans to transform electricity supply in Kaduna State through regulatory reforms, regional collaboration, and increased private sector investment.

He made this known while speaking at the Kaduna Electric Franchise Area Energy and Investment Summit, which focused on advancing energy development and economic growth across the region.

Regional Leaders and Investors Converge

The summit brought together key stakeholders, including Dauda Lawal, Nasiru Idris, and Idris Muhammad Gobir, alongside investors, development partners, and energy experts.

Discussions centered on improving electricity access and unlocking investment opportunities in Northern Nigeria.

Shift Toward Subnational Power Market

Governor Sani highlighted the opportunities created by the Electricity Act 2023, noting that states now have greater flexibility to drive reforms in the power sector.

He explained that Kaduna is moving away from reliance on the national grid toward building a structured electricity market at the state level, supported by clear regulations and investor-friendly policies.

Push for Regional Energy Collaboration

The governor emphasized that energy challenges in Northern Nigeria require a collective approach.

He noted that Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto share interconnected electricity networks and economic interests, making coordinated planning essential for attracting large-scale investments and boosting industrial development.

Investment Interest and Strategic Partnership

According to Sani, the summit has already generated strong investor interest, particularly in areas such as power generation, improved distribution systems, and embedded energy solutions.

As part of the event’s outcomes, Kaduna State signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ASI Engineering Limited to support infrastructure expansion, sector reforms, and long-term energy stability.

Ongoing Reforms and Future Plans

The governor also outlined ongoing initiatives, including:

• Development of a comprehensive electricity policy framework
• Strengthening of the Kaduna Power Supply Company
• Investment in network upgrades
• Expansion of renewable energy solutions for key sectors

A New Direction for Nigeria’s Power Sector

Experts say Kaduna’s strategy reflects a broader shift among Nigerian states leveraging recent legal reforms to attract private investment and reduce dependence on the national grid.

The summit, organised by ASI Engineering Limited and Kaduna Electric, was praised for fostering collaboration at a critical time for Nigeria’s energy transition.