The Kano State Government has commenced a two-day stakeholder engagement on the proposed Renewable Hybrid Power Project, a major initiative aimed at expanding access to reliable electricity and accelerating industrial growth across the state.
The engagement, organised by the Kano State Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy is themed, “Unlocking Reliable Power for Kano’s Industrial Growth.”
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Declaring the event open, the Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Engr. Dr. Gaddafi Sani Shehu, described the proposed project as a strategic addition to Kano’s energy infrastructure that will complement existing power initiatives, including the Tiga and Challawa Hydropower Plants.
He said reliable electricity remains the backbone of industrialisation, stressing that the project aligns with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s Kano First Agenda of expanding access to clean, affordable and sustainable energy.
“Reliable power is the engine of industrialisation. Under the Kano First Agenda of His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, we are committed to expanding access to clean, affordable and sustainable energy,”
According to him, the Renewable Hybrid Power Project is expected to reduce production costs for industries and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), create employment opportunities and strengthen Kano’s position as a preferred investment destination in Northern Nigeria.
Dr. Gaddafi added that the two-day engagement would examine key technical issues, including energy demand assessment, reliability gaps, off-taker models, power supply challenges, demand profiling and stakeholders’ willingness to off-take electricity generated under the project.
Also speaking, the Director-General of KAN-INVEST, Dr. Naziru Halliru, and the Managing Director of Kano Hydro and Energy Development Company, Engr. Ibrahim Ado Duguwa, reaffirmed Kano’s readiness to support initiatives that enhance energy supply and industrial development.
They noted that unlike many states where industries are concentrated in a single location, Kano’s industrial clusters are spread across areas such as Dakata, Sharada, Bompai and Tokarawa, making improved power supply essential for sustained economic growth.
The stakeholders’ engagement is expected to produce a roadmap for the implementation of the Renewable Hybrid Power Project, define stakeholder responsibilities and establish regulatory frameworks to facilitate its timely execution.
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The forum brought together manufacturers, industrialists, investors, traditional rulers, development partners and community representatives to deliberate on the project’s scope, implementation strategy and partnership models.