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Governor Namadi’s Visionary Investment in Kano DisCo Yielding Results

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When the Jigawa State Government announced in January 2024 that it would invest ₦4 billion into Future Energies Africa (FEA) to acquire a 2.5 percent stake in the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), many Nigerians were skeptical.

The move broke from the traditional playbook of state governments, which have long limited their involvement in the power sector to donations of transformers and short-term palliatives. But 18 months later, Governor Umar Namadi’s bet is showing clear signs of paying off, both in returns and results.

On July 7, 2025, the State Executive Council approved the second tranche payment of ₦1 billion to FEA, reinforcing Jigawa’s long-term commitment to the partnership. The investment, the first of its kind by any Nigerian state since the 2013 power sector privatisation, is already producing tangible outcomes in terms of electricity access, infrastructure upgrades, and fiscal returns.

A Strategic, Unorthodox Investment:

The context behind Jigawa’s bold move is compelling. FEA had just acquired KEDCO’s majority shareholding from Fidelity Bank after the latter placed the electricity distributor in receivership due to poor performance by the previous core investors. The opportunity was ripe for a reset, and Namadi seized it, not just to secure power supply improvements but to ensure Jigawa had a financial stake in the success of the region’s power distribution.

Crucially, the investment deal did more than buy equity. It required FEA to commit to matching, and even exceeding, Jigawa’s ₦4 billion investment with infrastructure developments targeted specifically at the state. Sources in the State House say Namadi was adamant that the funds should yield measurable returns, not just political goodwill.

Performance rebound – KEDCO Emerges as Leader:

KEDCO, which previously lagged behind its peers in operational and financial performance, has undergone a dramatic transformation under FEA’s stewardship. When FEA took over, the company’s market remittance rate was a dismal 59 percent. Today, according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC)’s Q1 2025 performance report, KEDCO is the best-performing DISCO in Northern Nigeria, with a remittance performance above 100 percent.

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The turnaround is credited to a new governance structure led by the FEA-appointed board, working closely with the Bureau of Public Enterprises and state governments in the KEDCO franchise area — namely Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa. Improvements in billing and collection efficiencies have followed, significantly reducing commercial losses.

Powering Jigawa – From Urban Hubs to Rural Grids:

Even more remarkable are the on-ground infrastructure developments now reshaping Jigawa’s power landscape. FEA’s infrastructure commitments include up to 10MW of interconnected solar mini-grids in key cities, including Dutse, Gumel, Hadejia, Kafin Hausa, Kazaure, and Ringim.

These projects are being implemented through FEA’s renewable energy subsidiary, Bagaja Renewables, which previously constructed Nigeria’s largest interconnected mini-grid in Zawaciki, Kano. The flagship 500kW mini-grid in Kafin Hausa is nearing 95% completion, built at an estimated cost of ₦950 million. Additionally, the once-damaged second substation in Dutse has been fully repaired and brought back online, restoring redundancy and minimizing blackout risk in the capital — a project that cost nearly ₦200 million.

According to Sani Bala Sani, spokesperson for KEDCO, the next wave of mini-grids will focus on Hadejia and the Maigatari Free Trade Zone in Gumel. “We estimate to spend an incremental $3 million on these projects,” Bala said. “Our investors are bullish about the sector, and we’re actively engaging the Jigawa State Government on additional projects — including one to replace the Gagarawa-Taura-Ringim line, now under federal supervision.”

In a separate milestone, FEA recently completed a 39-kilometre distribution line delivering Band A electricity supply to the Dawanau International Grain Market, a major agro-trade hub. This line is expected to boost industrial activity in the region and aligns with Jigawa’s larger agro-industrial ambitions.

A Model for Energy Reform:

Governor Namadi’s “Agenda for Greater Jigawa” is increasingly being recognized as a template for pragmatic and forward-thinking energy policy at the subnational level. By choosing to invest strategically, rather than merely spending, Jigawa is positioning itself as a pioneer in driving inclusive electrification and sustainable industrial growth.

The governor’s approach also breaks with the traditional donor-recipient dynamic that has long defined state-DISCO relationships in Nigeria. Rather than providing infrastructure on behalf of the utility, Jigawa is shaping utility investment priorities through an ownership lens, and the results are speaking for themselves.

The Road Ahead:

While the full dividends of Jigawa’s investment in KEDCO and FEA are yet to be realised, early indicators suggest a partnership built on accountability, innovation, and mutual benefit. The alignment of public capital with private sector efficiency appears to be catalyzing a virtuous cycle of growth.

Challenges remain, especially as the federal government continues to recalibrate its role in power sector development. However, Jigawa’s proactive engagement and insistence on a structured, ROI-driven model have provided the state with both leverage and learning.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with widespread electricity shortfalls, Jigawa’s success offers a compelling case study and a challenge to other states to rethink their approach to power sector participation. Governor Namadi’s gamble is not only yielding returns; it is changing the conversation on how to build a reliable, sustainable energy future in Nigeria.

Signed:
Sani Bala Sani
22/07/2025

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Dan Agundi’s Supreme Court Case Has Nothing to Do With Kano Emir – Says Lawyer

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14th Emir Of Kano Muhammad Sunusi II

 

 

A lawyer involved in the Kano Emirate titleholder’s dispute, Bashir Muhammad Tudun Wazirci, has clarified that the case before the Supreme Court of Nigeria does not concern the removal or reinstatement of any emir, including Muhammadu Sanusi II.

 

Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, Wizirci explained that the suit was filed by Aminu Babba Dan’agundi against the Kano State House of Assembly, the office of the Attorney-General and the security agencies.

 

According to him, the case does not include Aminu Ado Bayero as a party or any dispute on who is Emir, stressing, that: “In this case I am for the State Assembly, first, the case is between Aminu Babba Danagundi and the State Government and the office of the Attorney General and security agencies. In this case, there is no name of Emir Muhammad Sanusi II or former Emir Aminu Ado Bayero. It is between Aminu Babba Dan’agundi and the state government alongside security agencies”.

Dan Agundi’s lawyer Professor Yusufari SAN confirmed that “the case is between his client and the State Government” and no Emir is involved.

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Wazirci emphasized “Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi is not a party, neither is the former, Emir Aminu Ado Bayero. Dan Agundi approached the Federal High Court that has no Jurisdiction. The Court of appeal ruled that the lower Federal High Court has no jurisdiction to hear the case. Dan Agundi lost the appeal. They were not satisfied and that’s why they appealed to the Supreme Court”. He said.

 

Wazirci said the case was scheduled for hearing but was stalled following a fresh application by Dan Agundi’s lawyer who cited that they received late response from one of the security agencies as reason for delay.

 

“They claimed they received information from the DSS on the 15th of the month and needed time to respond. I objected because this is a matter that requires accelerated hearing if they are serious,” Wizirci said.

 

He, however, stated that the court upheld the appealant’s right to fair hearing and granted them time to file their processes. The matter was subsequently adjourned to April 19, 2027.

 

Meanwhile, Counsel to Aminu DanAgundi, Professor Mamman Lawal Yusufari clarified that “The suit was slated for hearing today, not for judgment as many believed. Counsel to one of the respondents filed a motion on April 14 and served us the following day”.

 

“We are entitled to respond within 14 days from the date of service. Hence, the adjournment, as the matter could not proceed,” he said.

 

Recall that Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, in May 2024, signed a law that dethroned all Emirs of Kano, Rano, Gaya and Karaye and reappointed Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano. Dissatisfied with the new law, Dan Agundi challenged it at the Federal High Court, that his removal by the law is an infringement, the Court ruled that it has jurisdiction. The State Government appealed to the Court of Appeal, which ruled that the Federal High Court has no jurisdiction. Dan Agundi then filed an appeal in the Supreme Court as confirmed by his lawyer Professor Maman Yusufari SAN.

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Governor Yusuf Nominates Murtala Garo to the Kano Assembly as Deputy Governor

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Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has transmitted the name of Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo to the State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation as Deputy Governor.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad.

The nomination is in line with Section 191(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the Governor to nominate a Deputy Governor where a vacancy exists.

The position became vacant following the voluntary resignation of the former Deputy Governor, Comrade Abdussalam Gwarzo, on March 27, 2026.

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Following a wide consultations with key stakeholders, the Governor has requested the Assembly to grant the necessary approval for Garo’s nomination.

48 year old Murtala Sule Garo is a season political administrator with over two decades of service in both elective and appointed positions.

He has served as State Organising Secretary of his party, Special Adviser to Kano State Governor and elected Kabo Local Government Chairman.

He also served as Chairman of ALGON Kano, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Deputy Governorship Candidate of the APC in the 2023 general elections.

His nomination is part of efforts to strengthen governance and sustain effective service delivery in Kano State.

Signed
Mustapha Muhammad
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
Kano State Government

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Insecurity: US lawmaker accuses Matawalle of bribe attempt to silence recommendation calling for his sack

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Governor Matawalle

 

Kimberly Daniels, a United States Democratic member of the Florida House of Representatives for District 14, has alleged that Nigeria’s minister of state for defense, Bello Matawalle, attempted to bribe a US official to deflect the narrative of the United World Congress of Diplomats, UN-WCD, report.

The lawmaker made the claim in a viral video released on her official Facebook account on Monday.

She said Matawalle’s alleged move was to cover up the UN-WCD report on Christian genocide in Nigeria, which indicted him.

Daniels insisted that no amount of pressure can silence her stand against the killings of Christians in Nigeria.

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“A US elected official was offered money by Nigeria’s minister of state defense, Bello Matawalle, to change the narrative of the UN-WCD Christian genocide in Nigeria report,” she said in the viral video.

Recall that Daniels, who doubled as the chairperson of UN-WCD, had called for President Bola Tinubu to remove Matawalle over alleged complicity in the killings in Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, and other parts of Nigeria.

Matawalle is yet to officially reply the US lawmaker.

Daniels alleged that following her recent press statement on what she described as targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria, she came under pressure from individuals she linked to the minister, including what she characterised as attempts to discredit her report and “buy support” from US-based elected officials.

According to her, an unnamed American lawmaker allegedly received an offer of financial inducement to publicly counter her position and defend the Nigerian defence leadership.

She claimed to have received evidence of a communication, including a prepared statement and promotional material, purportedly linked to the minister.

She also claimed that the bribery attempt is meant to divide America elected officials not knowing that they are united.

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