In a strategic move aimed at reviving infrastructure and boosting economic development, the Zamfara State Government has cleared a longstanding N1 billion debt owed to the Kaduna Electric Distribution Company (KEDCO). The debt had previously hindered power delivery across the state and stalled several development projects.
This milestone was revealed by the pioneer Executive Secretary of the newly established Zamfara Electrification Agency (ZEA), Muzammil Idris, during a press briefing in Gusau on Thursday. According to him, Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration has not only settled the debt but also expanded the agency’s mandate to deliver electricity to unserved and underserved communities across Zamfara’s 14 local government areas.
“This payment has liberated the state from a major obstacle to development,” Idris stated. “Access to electricity is crucial for advancing health, education, agriculture, and security—sectors which form the foundation of any thriving economy.”
Ambitious Statewide Electrification Plan
The agency has already drafted a 10-year working plan to transform the state’s power infrastructure. Idris emphasized that his immediate focus is to restore stable electricity across all LGAs and connect communities that have never been linked to the national grid—all within the next three months.
He further disclosed a recent strategic meeting with the Chairman of the Kaduna Electricity Governing Board, during which both parties explored practical solutions for restoring and stabilizing power supply throughout Zamfara.
In the wake of that meeting, ZEA has constituted a technical committee tasked with assessing and implementing electrification projects for identified communities. The committee’s work is expected to accelerate energy access and lay the groundwork for long-term power sustainability in the state.
Towards Metering Reform and Revenue Integrity
Beyond infrastructure, the agency also plans to implement the national metering policy. This move, Idris explained, is critical to improving both the transparency of electricity services and the efficiency of revenue generation for KEDCO.
“We are committed to not just providing light but also ensuring fair billing, improved consumer trust, and accountability across the board,” he said.
With this bold approach, Zamfara is positioning itself as a model for proactive governance in the North-West, addressing long-standing energy challenges with clear planning, financial discipline, and ambitious execution.
