News

Governor Namadi’s Visionary Investment in Kano DisCo Yielding Results

Published

1 year ago

July 22, 2025

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.

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

News

KANSIEC Chairman Advises Fruits Sellers Association to Modernize Business

Published

20 hours ago

September 12, 2026

Nigerian Tracker

The Fruits Sellers Association, Kano State Chapter, has been advised to develop a strategic plan within a specific timeframe to modernize its business operations.

The Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, KANSIEC, Professor Sani Lawal Malumfashi, gave the advice during a courtesy visit by members of the association to his office.

Professor Malumfashi stated that the fruit business anywhere in the world serves customers from all backgrounds, both rich and poor, due to the importance of fruits in food consumption.

He maintained that the association should seek recognition across the three tiers of government in order to benefit from government policies and programmes.

The KANSIEC Chairman added that the present administration under the Executive Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, is transforming Kano into a modern metropolitan city with many parks. He said fruit sellers should secure designated spaces around the corners of flyovers across the city.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Fruits Sellers Association of Nigeria, Kano State Chapter, Alhaji Safiyanu Abdullahi, said they visited KANSIEC to seek guidance on how to conduct free, fair, and peaceful elections within the association.

Bashir Habib Yahya
Media Aide to the KANSIEC Chairman
Date: 11/09/2026

News

Breaking :Former PDP National Chairman Alhaji Bamanga Tukur Is Dead

Published

22 hours ago

September 12, 2026

Nigerian Tracker

Former Chairman of the peoples Democratic party during Jonathan’s administration Alhaji Bamanga Tukur is dead .

A credible source in Yola the capital of Adamawa state informed Nigerian Tracker that Alhaji Bamanga Tukur passes on in Abuja.

The source said his body will later be conveyed to Yola the capital of Adamawa state for funeral at the palace of Lamidon Adamawa Alhaji Muhammad Barkindo .

Alhaji Dr. Bamanga Mahmud Tukur (CON) was a prominent Nigerian politician, businessman, administrator, and elder statesman who has had a towering impact on Nigeria’s socio-political and economic sectors for over six decades.

He was widely recognized for his roles as the former Governor of the old Gongola State, the former Minister of Industries, and the former National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Early Life and EducationDate of Birth: Born on 15 September 1935 in what is today Adamawa State, Nigeria.

Higher Education: He obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree from the University of Pittsburgh in the United States.

Honorary Recognition: He was awarded an honorary Doctorate Degree in Law (Honoris Causa) by Benue State University in Makurdi, Nigeria.

Traditional Titles: Reflecting his high regional and cultural status, he holds the distinguished traditional titles of Tafidan Adamawa and Wakilin Ganye in Adamawa State.

Career in Public Service & Governance
Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA):
Served as General Manager/Chief Executive from 1975 to 1982, managing port congestion and modernizing seaports.

Governor of Old Gongola State: Elected during the Second Republic in 1982, serving a brief term before the December 1983 military coup.

Minister for Industries: Served under General Sani Abacha’s military administration from 1993 to 1995.

Business and Continental Leadership Founder of BHI Holdings (Daddo Group),

Tukur expanded his economic influence across Africa:

Africa Business Roundtable (ABR): Founder, past president, and Life Patron.

NEPAD Business Group: Elected Chairman in March 2002.

International Maritime Stature: First African Vice President of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH)

PDP National Chairmanship (2012–2014)Elected PDP National Chairman in March 2012.

News

Nigeria’s Oil Output Hits 1.573m bpd as OPEC Production Rises–Report Says

Published

2 days ago

September 11, 2026

Nigerian Tracker

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Nigeria’s crude oil production, excluding condensate, rose by 35,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.573 million bpd in August 2026, from 1.537 million bpd in July, according to the latest data from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

The increase, representing a 2.3 per cent month-on-month (MoM) growth, places Nigeria among OPEC members that recorded higher production during the month.

OPEC, in its latest monthly data based on direct communication from member countries, said Nigeria’s August output was its highest monthly production level in the data provided for 2026.

The August figure also exceeded Nigeria’s average production of 1.552 million bpd in the second quarter of 2026, indicating a gradual improvement in upstream output.

The development comes amid renewed efforts by the Federal Government and oil producers to boost production through improved security, fresh upstream investments, new projects and the rehabilitation of existing assets.

Across OPEC, crude oil production increased by 346,000 bpd to 24.081 million bpd in August, from 23.735 million bpd in July.

Iraq recorded the largest increase among OPEC members, with output surging by 664,000 bpd to 3.378 million bpd. Kuwait followed with a 49,000-bpd increase to 1.894 million bpd, while the United Arab Emirates added 54,000 bpd to reach 3.835 million bpd.

Venezuela also increased production by 23,000 bpd to 1.145 million bpd.

However, some major producers recorded declines. Saudi Arabia’s output fell by 75,000 bpd to 7.276 million bpd, while Algeria and Libya declined by 8,000 bpd and 9,000 bpd to 999,000 bpd and 1.355 million bpd respectively.

Iran recorded the largest decline, with production dropping by 399,000 bpd to 2.086 million bpd.

Beyond OPEC, total production by the broader OPEC+ group, comprising OPEC members and participating non-OPEC producers under the Declaration of Cooperation (DoC), rose by 297,000 bpd to 38.055 million bpd in August.

Within the non-OPEC DoC group, Kazakhstan increased production by 159,000 bpd to 1.807 million bpd, while Russia cut output by 160,000 bpd to 8.718 million bpd.

For Nigeria, the latest production increase could provide some relief to government revenue and foreign exchange earnings, given the continued importance of crude oil exports to the economy.

Nigeria has set a target of raising crude oil production towards three million bpd by 2030, making sustained increases essential to achieving the ambition.

However, the country still faces significant challenges, including ageing fields, infrastructure constraints, crude theft, funding difficulties and the need to attract new investment into the upstream sector.

The August performance therefore represents progress, but maintaining the upward trend will be crucial if Nigeria is to close the gap between current production and its ambitious 2030 target.