In a bid to accelerate Katsina State’s transition to renewable energy and deepen collaboration with federal authorities, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda paid a visit to the Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu in Abuja.
During the meeting, Governor Radda highlighted the state’s recent strides in renewable energy development, emphasizing transformative partnerships and pilot projects aimed at achieving energy sustainability.
Governor Radda noted that Katsina State has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to establish a strategic framework for expanding clean energy access to communities and businesses.
A similar MoU was signed with Oceans Solutions Energie to harness the state’s hydroelectric potential, beginning with a 1MW pilot project at Danja Dam. Notably, 60% of the funding for this initiative has already been secured through grants from the French Treasury and Oceans Energie.
Additionally, the Governor announced a $500 million renewable energy partnership with Genesis Energy Group—one of the largest private sector-led clean energy investments in Northern Nigeria.
This partnership is expected to provide sustainable power solutions for the state while creating jobs and boosting economic resilience.
The Governor also shared progress on several state-led infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and public service delivery. These include:
– A 1MW Solar PV MiniGrid and 1MWh Battery Energy Storage System installed at the Government House.
– A 1MW MiniGrid with 600KWh battery storage powering the State Secretariat.
– A 250KW solar system with 300KWh battery storage at Katsina General Hospital, ensuring reliable electricity for critical healthcare services.
– Over 500KW of solar-powered streetlights installed along 100 kilometers of major roads, improving nighttime safety and lowering emissions.
In line with promoting green mobility, Governor Radda revealed the approval for the procurement of 500 electric tricycles. These will be distributed among youth, women, and persons with disabilities, providing inclusive and eco-friendly transportation solutions.
The state has also formally expressed interest in the concession and rehabilitation of the 10MW wind energy project in Rimi Local Government Area.
The Governor informed the Minister that a technical visit and roundtable discussion have been held with the Original Equipment Manufacturer in Ormes, France. Plans are underway to complement the project with an additional 10MW solar plant, aimed at electrifying 4,400 households.
Responding, Chief Adelabu commended Governor Radda’s bold leadership and commitment to clean energy. He pledged the Ministry’s full support for Katsina’s initiatives, especially the concessioning of the 10MW Lamabar Rimi Wind project emphasizing the importance of state-federal synergy in advancing Nigeria’s energy transition agenda.
“Katsina is setting a strong example for other states,” the Minister stated. “The combination of public innovation and private sector investment being demonstrated here is exactly the kind of partnership we need to achieve national energy security and sustainability.”
A statement from the office of the Chief Press Secretary to Gov Radda, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed dated 22nd April, 2025 said the visit concluded with a renewed commitment from both parties to collaborate closely in scaling up renewable energy access, strengthening infrastructure, and promoting inclusive green development across Nigeria.
