By Hauwau Shehu Maikeffi
Residents across Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states are currently facing severe hardship due to drastic reductions in electricity supply, with power availability now reportedly limited to just two hours per day. The development, attributed to operational challenges at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), has triggered widespread disruption in homes, businesses, and public institutions.
KEDCO has blamed the power cuts on a combination of factors, including frequent national grid collapses, vandalism of transmission infrastructure, and theft of transformers. According to reports, over 6,000 transformers were vandalized within four days, significantly impairing distribution capabilities across the three states.
The impact has been far-reaching. Small businesses that rely on consistent electricity—such as welders, barbers, tailors, and cold drink vendors—have been forced to shut down or operate at a loss. Households have resorted to using candles, rechargeable lamps, and generators where affordable, while hospitals and schools have also raised concerns over the strain on service delivery.
In response to the crisis, KEDCO recently unveiled its $100 million “Safe Grid” project, aimed at generating up to 100 megawatts of electricity through embedded generation and renewable energy sources. The first phase involves a 20MW power plant in Tamburawa, scheduled for completion by the end of the year. The company is also exploring energy input from the Haske Solar Plant, Challawa and Tiga hydro plants, and the Katsina Wind Farm.
Additionally, KEDCO has announced a $2 million initiative to build mini-grids capable of generating 200MW across its franchise areas, with the aim of ensuring more stable electricity for residents and businesses.
Despite these efforts, affected communities remain skeptical. Many residents have expressed frustration over what they describe as longstanding neglect and repeated unfulfilled promises. Community leaders and stakeholders are now calling for greater accountability, improved infrastructure protection, and urgent implementation of lasting power solutions.
KEDCO has urged the public to support its infrastructure protection campaign and report suspicious activities to help curb vandalism. Until then, millions of residents in northern Nigeria will continue to navigate daily life around unpredictable, limited access to electricity.
