Katsina State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU with Ocean Solutions Energie, a French energy firm to enhance access to sustainable electricity across the state.
In a statement released on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretar to Gov Dikko Radda, Ibrahim Mohammed, it was revealed that the agreement was signed in Paris by Governor Dikko Radda and the Special Adviser on Power and Energy, Dr. Hafiz Ahmed, alongside Ocean Solutions Energie’s Chairman, Minkaila Salam.
The partnership aims to co-develop renewable energy projects that will provide reliable electricity to local communities, leveraging the state’s 43 dams as potential sites for future hydroelectric developments.
This initiative follows a recent power outage that affected Katsina and 16 other northern states for several weeks, leaving residents struggling to charge essential devices and access basic utilities. Governor Radda emphasized that the collaboration with Ocean Solutions Energie will help build a resilient power infrastructure and serve as a blueprint for sustainable energy expansion across the region.
He said, “The Katsina State Government is committed to providing financial support to ensure the successful installation and long-term sustainability of the power station.
“We also plan to establish a mini hydroelectric power station as part of a pilot project.”
According to him, the pilot project located at Danja Dam is designed to provide energy to critical local infrastructure, including irrigation systems, a water treatment plant, small and medium-scale enterprises, and households.
The new MoU aligns with the Electricity Act of 2023, which emphasizes decentralized energy solutions, the integration of renewable sources into Nigeria’s power grid, and fulfilling the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 on affordable and clean energy.
In a related development, the governor also unveiled plans to revamp the state’s 10MW Wind Farm in Lambar Rimi, which has remained inactive for nearly two decades, by engaging the original equipment manufacturers, Vergnet Groupe, in Paris.
Radda disclosed that his government is committed to working closely with the company to rehabilitate the state asset and restore its capacity to support Katsina’s growing energy needs.
He said, “My administration remains dedicated to ensuring its sustainable operation in line with Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Master Plan and the 2060 net-zero goals. This will provide clean and renewable energy to power approximately 4,400 homes across Katsina State.
“These projects are integral to Katsina State’s vision to become a leading renewable energy hub in Nigeria and contribute to the country’s broader transition to a sustainable energy future
