Uba Sani flags off statewide electrification to boost businesses in Kaduna

Governor Uba Sani has declared that access to electricity will no longer be limited to a few urban centres, as his administration intensifies efforts to expand power supply across Kaduna State to stimulate economic growth and support small and medium-scale enterprises.

The governor spoke at the launch of Phase One of the distribution of 600 transformers and accessories across the state’s 23 local government areas, alongside the deployment of 10,000 solar-powered streetlights.

According to him, the initiative is designed to empower artisans and entrepreneurs, including welders, tailors, cold-room operators, ICT hubs and manufacturers, by providing reliable electricity needed to run their businesses efficiently.

“We are sending a clear message that access to energy must no longer be the privilege of a few but the right of every community,” he said, stressing that electricity remains the backbone of modern development, powering hospitals, schools, farms and industries.

Sani noted that since assuming office nearly three years ago, his administration has revived abandoned power projects and initiated new ones, particularly in the health sector. He said solar mini-grids have been installed in 190 of 225 primary healthcare centres under the Indian-Exim Bank programme, delivering 1.35 megawatts of clean energy, while 32 stalled systems in health facilities have been restored, improving service delivery and health outcomes.

The governor also highlighted the completion of the long-abandoned 2x60MVA, 132/33kV substation at the Green Economic Zone in Maraban Jos, describing it as a catalyst for industrial investment and manufacturing growth.

He cited additional interventions, including a 100-kilowatt solar project in Kubau that now serves 450 households, as well as ongoing distributed generation projects in Chara, Gidan Kundi, Gora and Hawan Mai Mashi.

Across the three senatorial zones, Sani said the government has rehabilitated multiple transmission and distribution lines, upgraded networks and installed transformers to improve supply resilience in both urban and rural communities.

He further disclosed that the state signed a memorandum of understanding with the Rural Electrification Agency in October 2025 to drive new projects, including a 1.5-megawatt power scheme for Kaduna Polytechnic and an 8-megawatt allocation for Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

He added that more urban generation projects are in the pipeline, including initiatives in TRAPCO, Shika and Makarfi communities, aimed at boosting local manufacturing and expanding economic opportunities statewide.