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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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Court Restrains Anti-Corruption Commission, Others from interfering in MAAUN’s Affairs

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A Kano High Court has granted an interim injunction restraining the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) and four other parties from interfering in the internal and external affairs of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (AAUN), Kano.

Justice Sanusi Ado Ma’aji of the High court of Kano Judicial Division issued the order, while ruling on a motion of ex parte filed by the management of the university.

The respondents in the suit are the Kano State Government, PCACC, Kano State House of Assembly and the state’s Attorney-General and concerned parents of the institution.

Justice Ma’aji in the court order dated December 11, 2025, restrained the respondents or any other person acting on their behalf from inviting officials of the institution or interfering in the administrative and academic activities of the intuition, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

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The court also directed all the parties to maintain status quo in relation to the matter between the applicant and the first respondent, pending the determination of the originating summons.

Speaking after the ruling, MAAUN’s counsel Zahraddeen M. Bello, said that the court’s decision reaffirmed the rule of law and the need for due process, saying the university will continue to operate within the confines of law, while the case is pending.

However, the court granted leave to the applicant to serve court processes on the fifth respondent at its office located at No. 224 Sabo Bakin Zuwo, Kano.

The matter was adjourned to December 29, 2025 and the order was given under the hand and seal of the presiding judge and was duly endorsed by the Principal Registrar of the court.

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Jigawa Trains Local Government Chairmen on 2025 Tax Reform Act

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The Jigawa Joint Task Committee has commenced a two-day capacity-building training for local government chairmen and policymakers. The two-day capacity program focused on the new Nigeria Tax Reform Act (NTA) 2025, which is scheduled to take effect nationwide on January 1, 2026.

The training gathered a contingent of state and local revenue stakeholders, including all 27 local government chairmen of Jigawa State, led by the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), revenue officers, and key policy and tax experts.

The core objective of the session was multifaceted: to enhance understanding of the NTA 2025 and its specific implications for local government administration, strengthen collaboration between state and local tiers for revenue harmonization and joint administration, and improve the technical capacity of local government leaders in deploying modern revenue processes and digital systems.

During the event, the Executive Chairman of the Jigawa Internal Revenue Service (JIRS), Dr. Nasir Sabo Idris, commended the state government’s leadership for its commitment to fiscal autonomy.

“I wish to acknowledge the immense support of His Excellency, Governor Malam Umar Namadi, FCA,” Dr. Idris said.

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According to Dr. Idris, Jigawa Governor’s commitment to revenue generation has been unwavering, ensuring a consistent improvement in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

Dr. Idris pointed out that the upcoming launch of JigiTax, a wholly digital platform designed to streamline and modernize revenue collection across Jigawa State, is underway.

He said the move is seen as a direct response to strengthening transparency and blocking revenue leakages.

On his part, the Jigawa State Commissioner for Local Government, Ibrahim Graba Hannun-Giwa, whose address was delivered by the Director of Research, Malam Samaila Yusuf, said:

“The Ministry of Local Government is doing all it takes to continue supporting the visionary policies of Governor Namadi and driving policies that will shore up the revenue base of our local governments,” Malam Yusuf stated, emphasizing a unified approach to fiscal strength.

The dividends of the collaborative efforts were highlighted by the ALGON Chairman, who also serves as the Chairman of Dutse Local Government.

Speaking to newsmen, he asserted that the state’s disciplined approach had fundamentally altered the financial landscape at the grassroots level.

“With the commitment shown by Governor Namadi and the diligent efforts of the Jigawa Joint Revenue Committee, no local government in Jigawa now seeks intervention,” the ALGON Chairman declared.

He said, “Revenue loopholes are being systematically blocked, and improved compliance by different stakeholders, including markets and motor parks remitting their taxes, has significantly boosted our revenue drive.”

He further confirmed that the local governments had already undertaken a series of awareness trainings for all relevant stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition to the NTA 2025.

Barrister Aliyu Abdullahi said the in a paper presentation titled “State and Local Government in the Law,” by a legal practitioner. The paper specifically called for the legislative institutionalization of the Jigawa Joint Revenue Committee by the State House of Assembly. This institutional backing, the practitioner argued, would solidify the collaborative framework for revenue harmonization and ensure its longevity beyond the current administration.

 

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Former President Obasanjo Endorses Turaki’s Faction of PDP

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo hosted the national working committee (NWC) of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun state.

The PDP faction visited the former president on Saturday, and Kabiru Turaki led the delegation.

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Those among the delegation are: Muazu Aliyu, former Niger governor; Jonah Jang, former governor of Plateau; Adolphus Wabara, former senate president, and many more.

Interacting with the delegation, Obasanjo commended the faction’s effort, adding that its members should “soldier on”.

The former president also urged the faction to remain steadfast in instilling discipline in the party, adding that:

“anybody who wants to belong to a political party must adhere strictly to its rules and regulations”.

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