The Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has announced a $100 million partnership to develop a 100MW “Safe Grid” infrastructure aimed at ensuring uninterrupted power supply and energy security in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States.
According to Sani Baba Sani, KEDCO’s Corporate Communications Manager, this initiative is designed to provide 24-hour electricity to key industries, commercial hubs, and critical government facilities, reducing reliance on the national grid. The “Safe Grid” will leverage embedded electricity generation within KEDCO’s network to mitigate grid disruptions, ensuring reliability and fostering socio-economic growth in the region.
KEDCO revealed that persistent challenges faced by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) have resulted in less than half of the company’s energy allocation being delivered, significantly impacting customers and businesses. The “Safe Grid” initiative seeks to address these issues by reducing the risks of total blackouts and grid unreliability, thereby empowering industries and safeguarding jobs.
The first phase of the project includes the construction of a 20MW power plant in partnership with Utilita as part of an emergency project valued at $20 million. This plant, located in Tamburawa, is expected to be operational by the end of the year. Additionally, the “Safe Grid” will draw power from other sources, including:
- The 10MW Haske Solar Power Plant, developed by the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI).
- 16MW combined capacity from the Tiga and Challawa Hydroelectric Power Projects built by the Kano State Government.
- Discussions with the Federal Ministry of Power to take over and complete the 10MW Katsina Wind Farm for integration into the grid.
- An additional 54MW to be sourced from future gas and solar power plants.
This brings the initial capacity of the “Safe Grid” to 46MW, with further expansion plans underway.
KEDCO is building a parallel distribution grid architecture to deliver the “Safe Grid” across Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa. A dedicated 40km transmission line to Dawanau International Grain Market is nearing completion, facilitated by KEDCO and its core investor, Future Energies Africa (FEA). The company is also working with state governments to identify critical supply areas to maximize economic benefits, focusing on industries, agro-processing, and critical government infrastructure.
KEDCO commended the support of the governors of Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa—Abba Kabir Yusuf, Dikko Radda, and Umar Namadi—who have championed the initiative. The company plans to collaborate further to create the first Joint Electricity Regulation framework across the three states, enabling efficient management and distribution of power within the embedded network.
The “Safe Grid” complements KEDCO’s ongoing “Utility 2.0” project, which partners with 31 developers to construct 60MW of mini-grids in underserved areas. Developers like Bagaja, Elektron, and Husk are already making progress, with projects underway in Charanci (Katsina) and Kafin Hausa (Jigawa).
KEDCO has committed to maintaining competitive industrial energy rates, leveraging partnerships with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). This initiative supports the company’s vision of re-industrializing the region and making it attractive to businesses by ensuring stable and cost-effective power supply.
“Our vision is to enable the re-industrialization and socio-economic empowerment of our franchise area through safe, stable, and cost-competitive electricity supply, keenly focused on customer satisfaction,” Sani stated. He urged stakeholders, including electricity and gas supply companies, to collaborate with KEDCO to provide affordable energy solutions.
KEDCO remains committed to improving electricity access and reliability while driving industrial and economic development in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States.
