Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has vowed that access to electricity will no longer be a privilege reserved for urban centres, but a right for every community in the state.
Speaking at the flag-off of the first phase of his electrification drive, which includes the distribution of 600 transformers and 10,000 solar-powered street lights across the 23 local governments, Sani said the initiative is aimed at boosting economic activities and supporting small and medium enterprises.
“We are enabling welders, tailors, cold-room operators, ICT hubs, and manufacturers to operate with dignity and predictability,” he said.
“Electricity is not a luxury; it is the bloodstream of modern society. It powers hospitals, lights classrooms, drives industries, irrigates farms, and sustains small businesses.”
Since assuming office nearly three years ago, the governor said his administration had completed abandoned power projects and launched new ones. These include solar mini-grids in 190 Primary Health Care Centres, the restoration of 32 abandoned health facility systems, and the completion of the 2x60MVA substation at the Green Economic Zone in Maraban Jos.
Highlighting rural electrification efforts, Sani noted that the Damau solar project in Kubau Local Government Area now provides 100 kilowatts to 450 households, while additional distributed generation projects are underway in Chara, Gidan Kundi, Gora, and Hawan Mai Mashi.
The governor also disclosed ongoing network rehabilitation across all three senatorial districts, including key lines from Kagarko Junction to Manchok, and high and low-tension network restoration in Unguwan Magata, Unguwan Doh, and Jagindi Junction to Gwado-Gwado.
Sani further announced a landmark memorandum with the Rural Electrification Agency to advance a 1.5-megawatt project for Kaduna Polytechnic, an eight-megawatt allocation for Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and new urban generation projects across TRAPCO, Shika, and Makarfi to boost local manufacturing.
He concluded that reliable power supply is critical for development, security, and economic opportunity, reiterating his commitment to making electricity accessible to every resident of Kaduna State.
(NAN)